Full Annual Report 2015 1.pub

Transcription

RECTORIAL BENEFICE OF
COWBRIDGE PAROCHIAL
CHURCH COUNCIL
Registered Charity No. 1131497
ANNUAL REPORT
AND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015
DIOCESE OF LLANDAFF
RECTORIAL BENEFICE OF COWBRIDGE
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
UNRESTRICTED (ORDINARY) FUNDS
SUMMARY FOR 2015
This Year
£
Budget
£
INCOME
80,886
Planned giving
Collections
21,181
7,682
22,691
132,440
Donations, legacies and grants
Tax refunds
Fees (weddings and funerals)
7,785
30,435
2,313
Fund-raising and miscellaneous
Investment income
79,395
18,400
4,450
23,215
125,460
10,000
30,550
2,400
172,973
168,410
79,840
6,756
27,887
27,924
79,840
EXPENDITURE
Support for ministry:
Parish share
Clerics' expenses
Church property:
Maitenance and running costs
Parish general costs: Administrator
General expenditure
Mission
Cost of generating income
SURPLUS BEFORE Investment revaluation
Net loss on revaluation of investments
NET ADDITION TO RESERVES FOR THE YEAR
1
8,462
5,517
4,525
16,160
32,905
28,500
9,770
4,295
2,650
160,911
174,120
12,062
(1,559)
10,503
(5,710)
(5,710)
NOTICE OF ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING ON MONDAY 18th
APRIL 2016 AT 7.30p.m. IN HOLY CROSS CHURCH,
COWBRIDGE
The Annual Vestry Meeting of the Rectorial Benefice of Cowbridge will be held on Monday 18th April 2016 at
7.30p.m in the Parish Church of the Holy Cross. All persons whose names have been accepted in the Electoral
Roll may speak, vote and be nominated for election, and are urged to attend.
AGENDA
Prayer
Chairman’s welcome
Apologies for absence
Minutes of Annual Vestry Meeting held 20th April 2015 (page 3)
Parochial Church Council Report and Financial Statements:
Annual Report (pages 4 to 8)
Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2015 (pages 10 to 17)
Elections:
Appointment of Parish Warden and Sub-Wardens by Incumbent
Election of Parish Warden
Election of Sub-Wardens
Election of other nominated members of Parochial Church Council
Confirmation of appointment of Independent Examiner
Any other business signified to the Parish Office in writing by Moday 11th April 2016
Hymn and Prayer
Nominations and details of any other business should be received by the Parish Office by Monday 11th April 2016.
All persons nominating and nominated must be on the Electoral Roll, approved by the PCC on 7th March 2016,
and all who are nominated must have given their consent to nomination.
Following the conclusion of the Vestry meeting, there will be refreshments and an opportunity to meet and discuss
matters with the PCC and other Church members. There will also be a brief meeting of the new Parochial Church
Council to elect or co-opt a Secretary and Treasurer, and to confirm other co-options.
APPROVED by the Parochia l Church Council of the Rectorial Benefice o f Co wbridge
on 7th March 2016 and signed on its behalf by Rev’d Stephen Adams, Rector.
2
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING HELD ON
20th APRIL 2015 AT 7.30p.m. IN HOLY CROSS CHURCH
Elections and Appointments Page 17:
Prayers, led by the Rev’d Edward Dowland Owen, Team
Vicar, preceded the meeting.
The appointment of a Parish Warden and Sub Wardens.
The Chairman, with the addition of Mrs. Helena Davies
as Sub Warden at St Hilary, appointed those listed on
page 17 of the 2014 Annual Report.
Chairman’s Welcome: The Rev’d Edward Dowland
Owen welcomed all present to the Twenty Second
Annual Vestry Meeting of the Rectorial Benefice. He
thanked the Parishioners and Officers of the Parish who
had worked so hard over the previous year for the
benefit of the Parish. He made particular mention of the
Parish Administrator for all his hard work.
Election of a Parish Warden.
Mr. David M. Crompton was elected as Parish Warden
for the forthcoming year.
Election of Sub Wardens.
It was agreed, with the addition of Miss. Rhiannon Cory
as Sub Warden at Penllyn, to elect the Sub Wardens as
listed on page 17 of the 2014 Annual Report.
Election of Parochial Church Councillors.
It was agreed to elect the Parochial Church Councillors
as listed in the 2014 Annual Report.
There were twenty six attendees.
Apologies for absence were noted, thirteen in all.
The Minutes of the Annual Vestry Meeting held on
the 28th April 2014 had been circulated with the 2014
Parish Report. The Minutes were accepted on the
proposition of Mr. Hunter Jarvie, seconded by Mr. John
Williams, and signed by the Chairman as a true record.
Appointment for Independent Examiner.
It was agreed to confirm the appointment of Messrs
Adey, Fitzgerald and Walker as Independent Examiners
to the Rectorial Benefice of Cowbridge for the financial
year ending 31st December 2015.
Parochial Church Council Report and Financial
Statements 2014:
The annual report (pages 4-7) were accepted on the
proposition of Mr. David Crompton, seconded by Mr.
David M. Jones.
Any other business.
There was no other business.
The Financial Statements for the year ending the 31 st
December 2014 (pages 9–15) were accepted on the
proposition of Mr. David Crompton, seconded by Mr.
David M Jones.
The proceedings ended with a hymn and a prayer.
Mr. David M. Jones asked if the Parish Share was paid
in full. Mr. Ron Norey responded that the Parish had met
its obligations to the Diocese consistently in the previous
year and that he could foresee no reason why this
situation should change in the forthcoming year.
3
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2015
of the Parish. The PCC believes that it provides a benefit
to the public, by fulfilling its responsibility to work together
with the Incumbent in the Parish and co-operate in all
matters of concern and importance for the promotion of the
whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social
and ecumenical, and by:
 providing resources and facilities for public worship,
pastoral care and spiritual, moral and intellectual
development, both for its members and for anyone who
wishes to benefit from what the Church offers;
 promoting Christian values, and service by members of
the Churches in the Parish to their communities, to the
benefit of individuals and society as a whole.
THE BENEFICE
The Benefice is an enlarged Parish, centred on the old
market town of Cowbridge, within the Vale of Glamorgan
Deanery, and is part of the Church in Wales Diocese of
Llandaff. The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is
registered with the Charity Commission; No.1131497. The
ten Churches which made up the Parish until 31st
December 2015 were:
Holy Cross Parish Church, Cowbridge
St. John the Baptist, Llanblethian
St. Dochdwy, Llandough
St. Hilary, St. Hilary
St. Mary, St. Mary Church
St. Michael and all Angels, Flemingston
St. Senwyr, Llansannor
St. John the Evangelist, Penllyn
St. Owain, Ystradowen
St. Brynach, Llanfrynach
The Church in Wales is governed by its Constitution, set
up under section 13(1) of the Welsh Church Acts 1914 (the
acts), as amended from time to time by its Governing
Body. Under the constitution, the PCC is responsible inter
alia for the parochial budget and all expenditure
thereunder, the care and maintenance of church fabric and
of the churchyards, and for action on any other matter
referred to it in accordance with the Constitution. The PCC
is also the normal channel of communication between
parishioners and the Diocesan Bishop.
By a decree signed by the Archbishop on 1st December
2015, the ecclesiastical parish of the Rectorial Benefice of
Cowbridge was enlarged to include the former parish of
Llangan and St Mary Hill with effect from 1st January
2016. In pursuance of that decree the Rectorial Benefice of
Cowbridge PCC and the Llangan and St Mary Hill PCC
charities were effectively merged following Llangan and St
Mary Hill PCC resolving to transfer all their assets to the
Rectorial Benefice at 1st January 2016. This Annual
Report and the accompanying Financial Statements is in
respect of the year ended 31st December 2015 and
therefore relates to the Rectorial Benefice prior to its
enlargement and do not therefore include any figures or
data concerning Llangan and St Mary Hill, except where
specifically detailed. The Churches which make up the
former Parish of Llangan & St Mary Hill are:
St. Canna, Llangan
St. Mary, St Mary Hill
The PCC is not a body corporate. Its composition,
procedure and powers are regulated by the Constitution.
Before assuming office, every member of the PCC must
sign a declaration that he or she will be bound by the
Constitution, which provides that the members of the PCC
shall be:
 The Incumbent, Vicars and Assistant Curates;
 A Church Warden for the whole Parish and a SubWarden for each individual Church, all appointed by the
Incumbent at the Annual Vestry Meeting (AVM), which
must take place on or before 30th April each year;
 A Church Warden for the whole Parish and a SubWarden for each individual Church, all elected at the
AVM;
 Up to 25 lay members elected at the AVM;
 Co-opted Secretary and Treasurer (if not already exofficio or elected), plus up to 7 further co-opted
members.
The constitution further provides that lay, communicant
persons over the age of 16 may be entered on an Electoral
Roll (subject to certain conditions) and that all such
persons, so entered, are entitled to vote and to stand for
election.
The Rectorial Benefice of Cowbridge Parish Office is in
Holy Cross Church, Church Street, Cowbridge, CF71 7BB,
tel: 01446 772302, email: [email protected]
The Parish website is www.cowbridgeparish.com.
OBJECTS AND CONSTITUTION
The Church in Wales is a province within the Anglican
Communion and seeks to advance the Christian religion
through world-wide mission. Its calling is to nurture men
and women in the faith of Jesus Christ and to aid them to
grow in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, so that the good
news of God’s grace may be clearly proclaimed in the
world and that God’s Kingdom may be honoured and
advanced. PCC objectives are to ensure that Church life
and work within the parish help to fulfil that mission, both
locally and more widely.
INCUMBENT, TRUSTEES AND ADVISORS
The names and addresses of the Incumbent, Independent
Examiner, Bankers and other professional Advisors,
together with the names of PCC Members who have
served in the year ending 31st December 2015, and on the
date this report was approved (including details of any
parochial office held), and details of the custodian trustees
who held parish property and investments in the year
ending 31st December 2015, and on the date this report
was approved, are shown on page 8.
The PCC is aware of the Charity Commission’s guidance
on public benefit in “The Advancement of Religion for the
Pub lic Benefit” and have regard to it in their administration
4
Youth work
Sunday Schools at Holy Cross, Ystradowen, and Penllyn
Churches have continued and the Youth group led by
Leonie and Richard Hain continued. Over 300 children,
mums, dads and grandparents attended the Christmas
“Crib Services” celebrated in Holy Cross, Llanblethian and
Ystradowen. Regular contact with Llansannor and
Llanharry Church in Wales Primary School has increased,
and the PCC was pleased to donate £2,500 towards an
appeal to fund new classroom equipment. Contact was
also maintained with the other primary and secondary
schools within the Parish. It is rewarding and a joy to host
full congregations at their Christmas and other special
occasion services in the parish churches.
MEMBERSHIP AND ATTENDANCE
The Electoral Roll, reported to the PCC on 7th March 2016
shows 272 parishioners currently on the roll (2015: 235).
Communicants at Easter and Christmas in 2015 were 318
and 356 respectively (2014: 278 and 446). Average adult
weekly attendance during 2015, calculated in accordance
with Diocesan guidelines was 179 (2014: 181).
PCC PROCEEDINGS AND ACTIVITIES
General
The PCC meets bi-monthly to consider and review all
matters concerning the Parish and consider reports from
Sectors (sub-committees) to whom some activities are
delegated. The activities for the public benefit, include
those detailed below.
Outreach and mission
The Benefice maintains an active contribution to the work
of “Churches Together in Cowbridge and District”, which
remains an important link with fellow Christians and the
wider community in and around Cowbridge. The Parish
“Afternoon Tea”, at Holy Cross on one Sunday afternoon
each month, has proved successful and continues, and the
monthly prayer breakfast at 8am on the first Saturday of
each month continues to receive support. A series of “Y”
courses, seeking to answer the questions that many
people have concerning Christianity and life as we know it,
was repeated in early 2015.
Ministry within the Parish
It was a great joy to welcome Rev’d. Stephen Adams as
Rector to the Parish in September; we sincerely hope that
he and Mrs Adams will enjoy many happy years with us in
Cowbridge. We are sad that Rev’d David Boult has
decided to retire from his NSM duties, but very pleased
that he will continue to take Sunday and other services as
required. We look forward to the arrival of Suzanne
Brumwell, who will be ordained deacon on 25th June and
will the join the Parish as curate.
Fund-raising projects (barbeques, suppers, lunches,
concerts, etc., etc.) were very successful in 2015 both
financially and in providing major opportunities to bring
people within the Parish communities closer together,
church and non-church members alike. Post-service
“Coffee Mornings” on Wednesday in Llanblethian and on
Friday in Holy Cross, Cowbridge, together with the monthly
coffee morning in St Mary Church (third Friday of e very
month) also continued to bring people together, as did the
gatherings for supper and a “get together” focussed on
Ystradowen church on the 3rd Wednesday of e very month,
and the gathering in the Bush Inn, St Hilary on the 2nd
Thursday.
Services manning and cover was as usual successfully
organised b y Da vid -Llo yd Jones (th e Pa rish
Administrator) . We are grateful for the support from local
retired clergy (including Rev’d Norman Williams, Ven. Bill
Thomas, Rev’d Canon Peter Coleman, Rev’d Canon Roy
Doxsey and Rev’d Ian Thomas) and Readers (Penny
Snowden, Jude Peters and Daphne Townsend); without
their help and that of the licensed Eucharistic Ministers
and lay worship leaders throughout the Parish, it would not
have been possible to maintain a full pattern of services
across the Benefice.
The Parish Magazine has been published as usual each
month except January, and remains an important contact
for many people in the Parish. Similarly, the weekly “Pews
News”, which incorporates the readings for the week,
Sunday and weekday service details, latest news and
essential Parish information, is published and available in
all the Churches and on notice boards. The Parish website
also carries a copy together with other information about
the Parish and the services and ministry provided.
All the nine Church communities which previously
constituted the Parish continued to enjoy worship each
Sunday in their local Church and, since joining the Parish,
the two new communities at Llangan and St Mary Hill have
continued to enjoy services on alternate Sundays as has
been their previous practice. The regular pattern of
midweek services
continued in Holy Cross and
Llanblethian Churches, and the lay Eucharistic teams
continue to minister to the housebound on a regular basis.
A twice monthly service continues at Southways
Residential Home, as do the services at Longmeadow
Court sheltered accommodation and the Manor House
nursing home. Within each community the Church is
active; it provides a place for services, quiet devotion and
acts as a local resource. During the year there were 23
baptisms, 21 wedding services and 24 funerals conducted
in the Benefice Churches (excluding Llangan and St. Mary
Hill). Additionally, special services for schools and other
organisations and events are hosted, particularly in Holy
Cross Church, where there were 15 such services.
The parish church communities have continued to support
local projects, including the Pontyclun Food Bank,
“Operation Christmas Child”, the “Welcome the Stranger”
project in Cardiff and the Llamau project for homeless
young people in Bridgend. Following the now established
tradition, the Benefice, together with “Churches Together”
and Cowbridge Town Council were responsible for
organising the arrival of Father Christmas with a grand
Nativity parade. Unfortunately disastrous weather
conditions over the weekend reduced visitors to the town
and to the Benefice Christmas Tree Festival in Holy Cross
Church; nonetheless part of the “Christmas Tree” proceeds
have been donated to the Prostate Cymru charity.
The PCC is keen to see the church buildings used as
general facilities for concerts, meetings and other events,
and is pleased to report that this has continued in the
larger churches able to host such occasions.
5
PCC FINANCES: UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
PCC FINANCES: DESIGNATED FUNDS
Summary for 2015:
Income and expenditure are detailed in the Statement of
Financial Activities (page 10) and in the notes thereto.
Total unrestricted income was £172,973 (compared with
£173,881 in 2014) and included total regular giving
(planned giving and loose collections) of £102,067
compared with £104,784 in 2014.
The Llanblethian Church Hall fund is for the running and
maintenance of the hall by a delegated Hall Management
Committee. The fund shows a surplus £3,488 for the year
and a balance to carry forward of £9,107, however repairs
to a boundary wall may become necessary and could
result in significant expenditure; the balance is therefore
carried forward to meet this possibility.
Parish Share (primarily to fund clergy stipends and
oncosts) at £79,840 continued to be the major item in the
unrestricted expenditure total of £160,911, which
compared with £163,521 expended in 2014.
Llanblethian Church is a beneficiary of the Evan Jenkins
Trust to fund repairs to the church up to certain limits
imposed by its trust deed. However there are exclusions
from grant including new equipment and facilities. In 2015
the PCC received unexpected fees for filming at
Llanblethian and has determined that these should be set
aside to deal with those costs which may not be co vered
by the Evan Jenkins Trust; the balance carried forward is
therefore £6,820.
The net working surplus of £12,062 was a considerable
improvement on the PCC budget for the year, which
foresaw a small deficit. After deducting £1,559 losses on
revaluation of investments at year end, £10,503 was
added to reserves, giving a balance to carry forward of
£335,496 of which £181,586 represents tangible fixed
assets, leaving £153,910 as free reserves (2014:
£143,173).
Some confusion arose over the status of a donation made
some years ago, which it was thought was to fund the
services of a Church Army captain. Since it proved
impossible to make such an appointment the donor was
approached, but confirmed that it was never intended that
the donation should be restricted; the PCC subsequently
received written confirmation. The PCC has determined to
set aside the amount released to fund mission projects
being considered and planned by the Ministry Team which
have yet to be detailed. The balance carried forward is
£18,948.
Reserves policy:
The PCC aims to retain a balance of unrestricted “free”
reserves, as working capital and to meet future shortfalls in
income or unexpected expense, equal to at least six
months expenditure. The balance detailed above
represents considerably more than this target, however,
the PCC have the following concerns, which dictate
continuing caution.
 The PCC has revised its budget for 2016 to include the
churches which made up the former Parish of Llangan &
St. Mary Hill and provide for the costs of a new curate,
the loss of income from renting out Leoline Close, and
the one-off cost of bringing that property back up to
Parsonage Board standards (£10,000 provided). The
new forecast is for a deficit of £13,000 in 2016.
 The budget includes optimistic targets for fund-raising,
(similar to that set in 2015) and although the 2015 target
was only narrowly missed, all the churches in the
Benefice report that it is increasingly difficult to meet the
requirements;
 The Church in Wales is pursuing its policy of creating
larger “Ministry Areas” and the PCC is aware of further
potential additions to the Rectorial Benefice. As the
Benefice grows It may become impossible for volunteers
to manage some areas of administration, notably
finance, and it may become necessary to employ
additional administrative staff in the not too distant future.
PCC FINANCES: RESTRICTED FUNDS
Income and expenditure totals are shown in the Statement
of Financial Activities on page 10 and in the accompanying
notes; the movements on and details of each of the major
funds is shown in note 19 to the Financial Statements.
Charity law provides that the restricted fund balances
carried forward may only be expended upon the purpose
for which the funds were given.
FUND INVESTMENT AND ADEQUACY
Restricted and designated fund balances are largely
represented by on-demand deposits and current account
bank balances. Free unrestricted reserves are represented
by similar deposit and bank balances, plus investments,
the latter being approximately equal to 42% of free
unrestricted reserves at year end. The net yield on the
listed investments (after loss on revaluation) in 2015 was
0.64% (based upon the end year value), slightly more than
earned on deposits. The investments are described in note
12 to the Financial Statements.
Future prospects:
The future continues to be uncertain to some extent and
dependent upon the future of the Parish as a base for an
enlarged “ministry area”, with the attendant cost
implications detailed above. The PCC does however
remain determined to keep all churches in the Parish open
and functioning with a full rota of services, by the use of
retired clergy, Readers and lay worship leaders. The
details of financial performance for the five years to date
and the budget for 2016 are shown in the table on page
16; the five year history relates only to the Benefice as
constituted up to 31st December 2015 and does not
include any data relating to Llangan and St Mary Hill.
6
RISK ASSESSMENT
CHURCH FABRIC
The PCC has reviewed the risks to its operations and is
satisfied that they are mitigated in so far as the PCC has
power to do so. The major risks are assessed as:
 Compliance with complex UK law relative to premises
and activities;
 Maintenance of listed Parish churches and properties,
which are expensive to repair;
 Provision of leadership to maintain ministry and service
to the community in the light of the PCC policy to
maintain all the churches in the Parish and the limited
capacity of its clergy.
 Budget control of expenditure and adequacy of financial
systems.
 The ability to maintain income sufficient to match
increasing costs.
Further work to re view Holy Cross Church restoration
plans to determine better and more cost effective
alternatives has continued, but no decisions have yet been
made. The limewash of the tower, first undertaken a few
years ago to prevent water penetration, has been renewed
and repairs to stonework, ridge tiles, pointing and gutters
have been undertaken.
Quinquennial inspection reports for the following churches
have highlighted significant expenditure requirements in
respect of repairs, which the inspecting architects
recommend should be undertaken over the next fi ve years.
The figures are the inspecting architects estimates of
possible costs, excluding fees and VAT, though it is
probable the latter could be recovered through the Listed
Places of Worship Grant Scheme.
 Llanblethian Church; £64,000; plans are being
formulated to tackle these repairs with the assistance of
the Evan Jenkins Charity.
 St Mary Church; £180,000.
 St Hilary Church; £150,000.
 Holy Cross Church £50,000.
Further quinquennial reports are due in 2016 for the
churches at Llanfrynach, Llandough, Flemingston and
Llansannor.
At Llandough major maintenance of the churchyard
boundary wall is required, with costs of up to £60,000
quoted.
Following the receipt of a survey, which revealed
significant health, safety and repair problems at Llanfair
(Llandough and St Mary Church) Hall, it was closed. A
lottery funding application to undertake the repairs was
rejected and the PCC therefore decided to sell the
property; the sale for £200,000 was completed on 19th
February 2016.
APPROVED by the Parochial Church Council on 7th March 2016 and signed on its behalf by
Rev’d Stephen Adams, Rector.
7
(Regi stered Chari ty Number 1131497)
PCC MEMBERS 1st JANUARY 2015 TO 7th MARCH 2016.
Rector/Incumbent
Vicar
Assistant Curate
Rev'd Stephen Adams
(from 29th September 2015)
The Rectory, 85 Broadway, Llanblethian, CF71 7EY
Rev'd Canon Derek G. Belcher
(to 15th March 2015)
Rev'd Edward Dowland-Owen
Rev'd David Boult
Appointed by the Incumbent or elected at the Annual Vestry Meeting
Parish Warden
Marion Layton-Matthews
David Crompton
Parish Warden Emeritus Pamela Roberts
Sub Wardens
James T homas
Flemingston
Margaret Harris
Holy Cross
Jennifer Kennedy
Holy Cross
Sue Cox
Llanblethian
Sue Flower
Llanblethian
Richard Hensby
Llandough
Guy Jones
Llandough
Simon Rees
Llandough
John Homfray
Llanfrynach
Margaret Jarvis
Llansannor
John P.R.Williams
Llansannor
Pamela Harris
Penllyn
Rhiannon Cory
Penllyn
Helena Davies
St Hilary
John Williams
St Hilary
David Hawkins
St Hilary
David Ilsley
St. Mary Church
Stephanie Bonnar
St Mary Church
Shena Sarjeant
Ystradowen
Susan Squire
Ystradowen
Others elected
Elizabeth Overton
Holy Cross
Pauline Lane
Holy Cross
Margaret Harris
Holy Cross
Ian Fernyhough
Llanblethian
David Morgan
Llanblethian
Ronald Norey
T reasurer
David Lloyd Jones
PCC Secretary
(to 20th April 2015)
(from 20th April 2015)
Consequent upon Llangan & St. Mary Hill joining the Parish 1st January 2016
David Griffiths
St. Mary Hill
Gareth Lloyd
St. Mary Hill
Ruth Williams
Llangan
Gareth Williams
Llangan
Co-opted
CUSTODIAN TRUSTEES
Andrea Clowes
Simon Lloyd
Llanblethian Church Hall Committee
St Mary Hill
(from 25th Jauary 2016)
Freehold property is held in trust for the Parish either by the Representative
Body of the Church in Wales (RB) or the Llandaff Diocesan Board of Finance.
Investments are held in trust by the RB or in the names of the Rector and
Churchwardens.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Adey, Fitzgerald and Walker, Chartered Certified Accountants
The Pavillion, Eastgate, Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan
BANKERS
HSBC Bank plc., 61 High Street, Cowbridge, CF7 7YJ;
COIF Charities Deposit Fund, 80 Cheapside London, EC2V 6DZ
ARCHITECTS
Caroe & Partners, Architects, Penniless Porch, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2RB
HONORARY SOLICITORS Anthony and Jarvie, Solicitors, 6 Court Road, Bridgend, CF31 1BW
8
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
I report on the Financial Statements of the Rectorial Benefice of Cowbridge for the year ended 31st December 2015,
which are set out on pages 10 to 17.
RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBIL ITIES OF PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL AND EXAMINER
As the Parochial Church Council, you are responsible for preparing the Financial Statements: you consider that the
audit requirement of section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act) does not apply. It is my responsibility to;
(1) examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
(2) state, on the basis of procedures specified in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under
section 145(5)(b) of the Act, whether particular matters have come to my attention.
BASIS OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’ S REPORT
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An
examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Parochial Church Council and a comparison of the
Financial Statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in
the Financial Statements, and seeking explanations from you as Parochial Church Council Members concerning any
such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and
consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the Financial Statements.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’ S STATEMENT
I confirm that I am qualified to act as Independent Examiner under the provisions of section 145(3) of the Act and that
my qualification is as shown below.
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
(a) to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Act; and
(b) to prepare Financial Statements which accord with the accounting records and to comply with
the accounting requirements of the Act
have not been met: or
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the Financial
Statements to be reached.
P. Walker, F.C.C.A.
Adey Fitzgerald & Walker
Chartered Certified Accountants,
The Pavilion,
Eastgate
Cowbridge, CF71 7AB
9th March 2016
Tel: 01446 772299
9
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015
THIS YEAR 2015
LAST YEAR 2014
NoteUnres
s
trict ed Designate dRe st ricteEndowment
d
This Ye ar Unre stricte
De
d signateRe
d strictEndowme
ed
ntLast Ye ar
Funds
INCOME FROM:
Donations, legacies, etc.
Planned gi vi ng,
church collections
donations, grants,
legacies, tax refunds
Charitable activ ities
Fees for
weddi ngs/funerals
Other trading activitie s
Fund-rai sing,
mi scellaneous,
church hall income
Inv estments
Dividends and interest
Other
Court compensation
£
Funds
£
Funds
Funds
£
£
Total
£
Funds
Funds
£
£
Funds
£
Funds
£
Total
£
2 132,440
47,565
180,005
135,720
44,980
180,700
7,785
3,460
11,245
10,077
3,640
13,717
4,449
47,072
25,944
4,980
6,905
37,829
682
2,997
2,140
2
714
2,856
3
29,835 12,788
2,313
2
600
600
172,973 12,790
56,156
0 241,919
173,881
4,982 56,239
0 235,102
740
52,662
475
7,431
61,308
87,336
83,031
36,861
12,948
0 220,176
95,452
27,657
34,198
3,658
160,965
5,708 60,429
853
7,111
5,708 68,393
95,452
93,794
35,051
10,769
0 235,066
4,525
2,556
34
2,590
163,521
5,708 68,427
0 237,656
EXPENDITURE ON:
Charitable activ ities
Promoting the mission of the church
Support for ministry
4 86,596
Church property .
5 27,887
Parish running costs
6 36,386
Mission
7
5,517
156,386
Raising funds
2,482
2,482
4,525
160,911
2,482
61,308
0 224,701
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) 12,062 10,308
(5,152)
0
17,218
10,360
(726) (12,188)
0
(2,554)
18,948 (18,948)
12,062 29,256 (24,100)
0
0
17,218
10,360
(726) (12,188)
0
(2,554)
(1,559)
0
0
(1,559)
3,959
10,503 29,256 (24,100)
0
15,659
14,319
(726) (12,188)
3,000 512,024
3,000 527,683
310,674
324,993
6,345 190,600
5,619 178,412
Transfers between funds
Gains / losses on
investment assets
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
3,959
0
1,405
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Balances 1 January 2015
324,993 5,619 178,412
Balances 31 December 2015 335,496 34,875 154,312
The notes on pages 12 to 17 form part of this statement
10
3,000 510,619
3,000 512,024
BALANCE SHEET AT 31ST DECEMBER 2015
THIS YEAR 2015
LAST YEAR 2014
UnrestrictedDesignate d Restricted End owme nt This Year Unrestricted
DesignatedRest rict edEndowment
Last Year
Notes
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
Tot al
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
11 181,586
Investments
12 63,963
245,549
181,586 181,820
3,000 66,963
0
0
290
181,820
60,514
3,000 248,549 242,334
3,000
63,514
0
0
3,000 245,334
290
9,414
27,658
375 173,742
230,093
CURRENT ASSETS
Stocks
13
4,256
3,859
Debtors
14 19,637
3,953
23,880
17,954
Short term investments
15 29,780 26,144 152,193
Cash & bank balances
4,256
3,859
208,117
55,976
10
54,365
14,065
5,125
10
19,200
99,462 35,000 156,156
0 290,618
91,854
5,790 183,166
0 280,810
1,844
8,984
6,695
92,447 34,875 154,312
0 281,634
45,789
8,566
LIABILITIES
Creditors falling due
witihn one year
16
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS
CURRENT LIABILITIES
7,015
125
337,996 34,875 154,312
171
4,754
11,620
85,159
5,619 178,412
0 269,190
3,000 530,183 327,493
5,619 178,412
3,000 514,524
LIABILITIES
Creditors falling due
after one year
17
2,500
2,500
337,996 34,875 154,312
TOTAL NET ASSETS
2,500
3,000 530,183 327,493
2,500
5,619 178,412
3,000 514,524
FUNDS
Endowment
18
Restricted income
19
Designated unrestricted
20
Unrestricted funds
3,000
154,312
3,000
3,000
154,312
34,875
34,875
335,496
178,412
5,619
335,496 324,993
335,496 34,875 154,312
3,000 527,683 324,993
The notes on pages 12 to 17 form part of this Balance Sheet
APPROVED by the Parochial Church Council on 7th March 2016
and signed on its behalf by Rev'd Stephen Adams, Rector
11
3,000
178,412
5,619
324,993
5,619 178,412
3,000 512,024
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015
1. Accounting policies
The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements, are as follows
a. Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities
Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with
the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities published 16/07/2014, the Financial Reporting
Standard for Smaller Entities (effective)January 2015) and the Church in Wales Accounting Regulations.
Assets and Liabilities are initially recognised at historic cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated.
The accounting policies are applied consistently.
b. Preparation of Financial Statements on a going concern basis
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has no reason to believe that the Parish will not remain a going
concern for the foreseeable future and the Financial Statements have been prepared on this basis.
c. Funds accounting
Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the Parish.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the Parish which the PCC has decided at their discretion to set
aside for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations given by the donor, or invited by the PCC, for
a specific purpose, and may only be expended on those purposes; unspent balances must be carried
forward and only spent on those specific purposes.
d. Income recognition (all accounted for gross).
Income is generally recognised when the PCC is entitled to the funds, there is sufficient certainty of receipt
and the amount can be measured reliably. Planned giving, collections and donations are recognised when
received. Tax refunds are recognised as soon as the amounts are claimable. Dividends are accounted for
when receivable; interest is accrued. Where the PCC has not invested separately for each fund, interest is
apportioned to individual funds on an average balance basis.
e. Expenditure is accounted for gross.
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payment, it is probable
that a payment will be made and the amount can be measured reliably. Parish Share is paid regularly and is
included in expenditure for the year to which it relates. Unrestricted fund grants (including donations to
missions) are recognised when determined by the PCC. Amounts received specifically for missions are
dealt with as restricted funds and the liability for payment is recognised when the amounts are received.
f. Tangible Fixed assets
(i). Churches Churchyards and Vicarages are vested in the Representative Body of the Church in Wales, and
are not Parish assets . Moveable Church contents (plate, furniture, etc) are inalienable property and require
a faculty for disposal. They are recorded in the Church Terrier log. Many are historic for which no reliable
cost basis exists. They are not recognised in the Balance Sheet. Expenditure on Churches (including
contents), Churchyards and Vicarages is written off when incurred.
(ii). Church halls at Llanblethian, Llandough and the Curate House in Leoline Close, all freehold, are held by
The Representative Body of the Church in Wales (RB) on special trust with the Parish as the beneficiary.
Upon any sale the proceeds will be held by the RB for the benefit of, and may be drawn down by the the
the Parish, and applied for charitable church purposes. Since the Parish is economically responsible for
these properties and is solely concerned with the risks and rewards that relate thereto it is the PCC view
that the accounting principle of substance over form should be applied and that they should be included in
the balance sheet. Leoline Close is included at cost; the Church Halls are included at estimated values at
1st December 1996, since no reliable cost information exists. Routine additions and replacements
(including contents) are charged to current expenditure.
(iii). Othe r freehold land buildings and contents
Other freehold property is held in trust for the Parish either by the Representative Body of the Church in
Wales or the Llandaff Diocesan Board of Finance. No reliable cost information exists for Llansannor Church
Hall which is included at estimated value at 1st December 1996. Other freehold property is included at cost.
No provision is made for depreciation of land and buildings other than for the diminution in value of land at
Ystradowen (see note 11). Routine additions and replacements to Church Hall contents are charged to
current expenditure.
iv). Office and othe r Equipment is stated at cost and written off by depreciation over four years.
v). Inve stment assets are stated at mid-market values on the balance sheet date.
Investments include shares in the Church in Wales Common Investment Fund held by the RB in trust on the
basis that interest is payable to the Parish and the shares may be sold and proceeds drawn down on the
instructions of the Rector and Church Wardens, to be applied for charitable Church purposes.
Since the Parish is responsible for the risks and rewards of the investment, it is the PCC view that the
accounting principle of substance over form should be applied and that it should be included in the balance
sheet.
g.Stocks are measured at the lowe r of cost or market v alue.
12
NOTES T O THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 (continued)
Last year
This year
Unrestricted
£
2. Donations, legacies. etc.
Planned giving
Loose collections
Donations re Penllyn
Goods for re-sale at cost
Other
Grants
Employers NI grant
re Holy Cross limewash
Listed places of Worship
Evan Jenkins Charity
Other voluntary income
Tax refunds Gift Aid and GASDS
3. Othe r trading activ ities
Fund-raising
Magazine income
Leoline Close rent
Church hall income
4. Support for ministry
Parochial support of clerics
Travel expenses
Parsonage cost contributions
Admin, support and other
Parish share of central diocesan costs
Other ministry costs
5. Church prope rty
Churches Penllyn
Holy Cross
Llanblethian
Other repairs and renewals
Light heat and water
Insurances
Miscellaneous
Churchyards
Church halls
6. Parish running costs
Parish administrator
General parish expenses
Maintenance of services, music, etc.
7. Missions
Home
Llansannor CinW School
Archbishops training fund
Prostrate Cymru
The poppy appeal
Salvation Army
DEC Nepal appeal
Overseas
Other
Parish
Magazine/Pews News (estimated)
Desi gnated
£
£
80,886
21,181
5,425
7,153
809
864
2,024
5,714
16,025
4,799
7,585
2,432
1,553
22,691
132,440
18,085
2,947
8,553
250
29,835
864
0 47,565
6,820
4,449
5,968
12,788
4,449
2,519
1,985
1,553
6,057
79,840
699
86,596
2,437
12,323
7,400
4,315
26,475
393
1,019
27,887
Restricted
0
740
740
0
740
8,196
32,793
5,594
402
Total
£
Unrestricted Designated Restricted
£
£
£
86,085
18,699
To tal
£
80,886
26,606
7,153
809
6,578
2,024
16,025
4,799
10,017
1,553
23,555
180,005
970
645
1,568
86,085
26,853
19,678
970
645
1,568
257
2,500
984
24,012
135,720
7,851
8,108
2,627
5,127
6,126
7,110
544 24,556
44,980 180,700
29,354
2,947
8,553
6,218
47,072
15,091
3,319
7,284
250
25,944
2,519
1,985
2,293
6,797
79,840
699
87,336
7,991
2,401
3,306
13,698
79,754
2,000
95,452
8,154
19,678
6,905
4,980
4,980
6,905
21,996
3,319
7,284
5,230
37,829
7,991
2,401
3,306
13,698
79,754
2,000
95,452
55,474
55,474
592
2,964
12,250
7,247
4,174
82,109
4,889
6,796
93,794
0 46,985
5,677
2,482
2,482 52,662
8,196
32,793
5,594
2,839
12,323
7,400
4,315
73,460
6,070
3,501
83,031
2,372
12,250
7,247
4,174
26,043
526
1,088
27,657
475
475
27,924
4,292
4,645
36,861
27,499
3,601
2,660
33,760
27,499
3,601
2,660
33,760
500
500
27,924
4,292
4,170
36,386
0
2,500
500
1,805
743
791
1,074
3,018
219
1,432
866
5,517
0
13
7,431
2,500
500
1,805
743
791
1,074
3,237
1,432
866
12,948
200
1,613
1,345
3,658
56,066
4,363
5,708
5,708
0
60,429
1,437
1,437
5,674
5,874
1,613
1,345
10,769
7,111
NOT ES TO THE FINANCIAL STAT EMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 (continued)
This year
8. Independent Examination Fees
Fees for reporting on the Financial Statements
9. Employees
Gross wages and salaries
Employer's national insurance costs
Pension contributions (not a defined benefit scheme)
Total staff costs
Average number of staff employed : Full time
Part time
Number of employee receiving emoluments (excluding employer
pension costs) of more than £60,000
Last year
£
450
438
£
26,057
2,123
2,345
30,525
1
1
25,394
2,445
2,309
30,148
1
1
£
£
£
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
10. Payments to PCC members (Related party transactions)
Parish clergy are ex officio PCC members; an insignificant amount of expenses
paid to them as clergy may relate to their duties as PCC members.
Expenses paid to PCC members (other than clergy)
Other transactions with PCC members
The Parish Administrator is the PCC Secretary and as such is a PCC
member, his total benefits were
11. Tangible fixed assets
£
27,923
Unrestricted
Freehold
27,545
Restricted
Equipment
Total
Equipment
property
£
Cost or valuation:
Balance 1st January
Balance 31st December
Accumulated depreciation
Balance 1st January
Depreciation for the year
Balance 31st December
Net book value 1st January
Net book value 31st December
FREEHOLD PROPERTY used in connection with the direct purposes
Llanfair Church Hall (inc. contents)
Llanblethian Church Hall (inc. contents)
Freehold interest in Llansannor Church Hall
Curate's House, Leoline Close
Land at Ystradowen
£
£
£
185,121
185,121
13,232
13,232
2,013
2,013
200,366
200,366
3,535
2,013
3,535
12,998
234
13,232
2,013
18,546
234
18,780
181,586
181,586
234
0
0
0
182,520
181,586
of the Parish, comprises:
PCC valuation 31 Dec.1996
Net cost
Net cost
£
40,000
40,000
15,000
86,586
3,535
185,121
The Llansannor Church Hall site is leased for 20 years to the Llansannor Community Hall Association, who
have built a hall on the site. The Church retains exclusive use of the hall on Sundays and for one evening per
week. The PCC cannot dispose the freehold without Diocesan consent, and the reservation of time for use by
the church, together with its use as a community hall with similar purposes to those of a church hall suggest
that its use in connection with church purposes has not changed.
The land at Ystradowen was consecrated as an extension to the Churchyard during 2011; as such it has no
value for the PCC and full provision for diminution in value has been made..
14
NOT ES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 (continued)
12. Investment fixed assets
Unrestricted
Listed
investments properties
£
Value at 1st January
Additions at cost
Net gains/(losses) on revaluation
Value at 31st December
Endowment
Investment
£
59,278
(1,559)
57,719
1,236
5,008
6,244
Nat Savings
Total
Bond
£
£
60,514
5,008
(1,559)
63,963
3,000
3,000
Investment properties comprise the Alms Houses site at Llanblethian. It is included in the balance sheet at the
costs of fencing and establishing title, etc. In its current state its value is difficult to determine; the PCC believes
the cost of obtaining a valuation outweighs any benefit; the PCC also believes there is no diminution in value.
Listed investments, included above at market value at 31st December 2015, include
10,840 M & G Charibond Distribution Units,
29,661 Church in Wales Common Investment Fund shares
£3,000 National Savings Bond
13. Stocks comprise office stationery, wine and altar breads, candles, heating oil and card stocks.
This year
Unrestricted Designated Restricted
£
£
£
14.Debtors
Parish share rebate due
Fees and other trading debtors
Income tax recoverable
Prepayments and accrued interest
Other debtors
15. Current Asset Investments
On call deposit accounts
16. Creditors falling due in one year
Accruals
Other creditors
17. Creditors falling due after one year
Church in Wales loan re Leoline Close,
interest free, repayable on disposal..
4,202
2,311
5,571
2,167
5,386
19,637
29,780
1,869
5,146
7,015
T otal
£
Last year
UnrestrictedDesignated
Restricted
£
£
£
4,202
2,311
6,234
5,747
5,386
23,880
4,198
2,813
5,843
2,089
3,011
17,954
26,144 152,193 208,117
55,976
290
663
3,290
290
3,953
125
125
2,500
1,844
1,844
1,994
6,990
8,984
2,345
4,350
6,695
2,500
2,500
110
77
290
290
9,227
9,414
Total
£
4,198
2,923
5,920
2,379
12,238
27,658
375 173,742 230,093
171
171
4,754
4,754
2,516
9,104
11,620
2,500
18. Endowment Funds
The documents determining the purpose of a £3,000 bequest by Mrs Thompson cannot be traced; it is believed
that the income is for general purposes; £34 income has been credited to unrestricted funds (last year £34).
15
NOT ES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT S YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 (continued)
19. Restricted income funds
Name
Purpose
Missions
Support of external missions
Church Army Evangelist
See note 19
Clergy churchyard fees
Clergy discretion
Holy Cross
Church restoration
Holy Cross Piano
Maintenance of grand piano
Llanblethian Church
Repairs and maintenance
Llanblethian Churchyard
Churchyard maintenance
Llanblethian sound system
Provision/maintenance
Llandough Church
St Mary Church
St Mary Church Churchyard
St. Hilary Church
St. Hilary Churchyard
Provision of water supply
St Hilary water supply
Flowers, etc.
St Hilary Altar requisites
Flemingston Church
Flemingston Churchyard
Llansannor Church
Penllyn Church
Llanfrynach Church
Llanfynach Churchyard
Ystradowen Church
Ystradowen Churchyard
Other small funds - 13 balances at 31 December
Balance B/F
Income
£
£
£
7,430
7,430
154
18,948
594
67,504
1,321
4,876
11,662
995
1,547
13,937
1,540
11,584
3,433
3,404
542
6,906
8,115
2,559
8,841
893
2,660
2,767
1,026
2,604
178,412
Expenditure Transfers Balance C/F
£
(18,948)
-5
25,847
6
5,513
2,724
4
308
1,566
7
454
836
15
2
579
619
12
7,213
4
12
635
1,122
1,253
56,156
589
32,793
5,994
2,724
570
336
8,195
402
1,122
1,153
61,308 (18,948)
£
154
0
0
60,558
1,327
4,395
11,662
999
1,855
15,503
1,547
12,038
3,699
3,419
544
7,485
8,398
2,571
7,859
897
2,672
3,000
1,026
2,704
154,312
The transfer of funds from the Church Army Evangelist funds is to a designated fund, the reason is detailed in
note 20.
20. Designated funds
Name
Llanblethian hall
Llanblethian Church
Mission
Purpose
Running and maintenance
Repair and maintenance
Parish mission and outreach
Balance B/F
Income
£
£
Expenditure Transfers Balance C/F
£
5,619
5,970
6,820
2,482
5,619
12,790
2,482
£
18,948
18,948
£
9,107
6,820
18,948
34,875
The transfer of funds into the Mission fund is a transfer from the Church Army Evangelist restricted fund.
At the time the funds were received, the PCC believed that the funds were given to fund a Church Army Evangelist.
The donor has subsequently confirmed that this was not their intention but that the funds should be used for
ordinary church purposes. The PCC has therefore determined to use them to set up the above designated fund.
Filming fees at Llanblethian church produced unexpected income; the PCC has determined to set these fees aside
to finance a new central heating boiler and other improvements to the church.
16
of the RECTORIAL BENEFICE OF COWBRIDGE
NOT ES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 (continued)
21. TRUST FUNDS
The Rectorial Benefice of Cowbridge has become the successor sole beneficiary of trusts in respect of which the
Representative Body of the Church in Wales are the trustees. Income, which is received regularly and
automatically from a number of these trusts was immaterial. For others, application has to be made for payments
out of accumulated income to match expenditure incurred on those items covered by the purposes of the trusts.
In 2015 the PCC received £11,525 of such income to cover external limewash of Holy Cross church.
The funds at the end of the year in respect of which the Benefice is the beneficiary are:
Name:
Object:
Chancel Repair Fund
Repair of Llanblethian chancel
Miss S.M. Carden dec'd
Maintenance of graves, Llanblethian churchyard
Mrs. C.A. Williams dec'd
..
..
..
..
Miss V.A. Morgan dec'd
..
..
..
Church Cottage, Aberthin
Reparation and general upkeep, Llanblethian
H.L. Phillips dec'd
Repair & maintenance Holy Cross, Cowbridge
J.W. Hall dec'd
Charitable church purposes, Holy Cross,
provided certain graves are maintained
Lt. Col. C.T. Edmondes dec'd
..
..
..
..
Margaret Sole dec'd
..
..
..
..
David Mansel Jones Fund
External maintenance/repair Holy Cross Church
St.John the Baptist, Llanblethian and St.Owain, Ystradowen are beneficiaries of the Evan Jenkins Charity whose
primary objective for distribution of income is maintenance and repair of the tenor bell in the tower of Llanblethian
church. Secondary objectives include the distribution of income for the repair of Llanblethian and Ystradowen
churches.
22. POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS
i). Enlargement of the Rectrorial Benefice of Cowbridge
By a decree issued by the Archbishop, the Rectorial Benefice of Cowbridge Parish has been enlarged with effect
from 1st January 2016 by the inclusion of the former parish of Llangan & St Mary Hill, comprising the churches of
St. Canna, Llangan and St Mary, St Mary Hill. Their inclusion does not alter the PCC view that, for the foreseeable
future, there is no reason to believe that the enlarged parish will not remain a going concern.
These Financial Statements do not include any transactions relating to Llangan & St Mary Hill for the financial year
ending 31st December 2015 or for the transfer of its assets and liabilities to the Rectorial Benefice of Cowbridge;
the decree provides that the assets and liabilities of Llangan & St Mary Hill will be transferred to the Rectorial
Benefice of Cowbridge with effect from 1st January 2016.
ii). Sale of Llandough Hall
Llandough Hall Has been closed for some time because its state of disrepair gave rise to health and safety
concerns. A lottery funding application to carry out necessary works and improvements was rejected, so the PCC
reluctantly agreed to seek to dispose of the property. A sale was completed on 19th February 2016 for £200,000,
but since the sale was finally negotiated, and exchange of contracts and completion tool place after the balance
sheet date, no adjustment has been made in respect of that sale in these financial statements.
17
of the RECTORIAL BENEFICE OF COWBRIDGE
UNRESTRICT ED FUNDS
£
YEARS ENDED 31ST DECEMBER
(exclding Llangan & St Mary Hill)
REVISED
BUDGET
(Inc. Llangan &
St Mary Hill)
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Stewardship
89,733
94,838
94,032
86,085
80,886
78,320
Collections
17,272
19,037
19,802
18,699
21,181
24,310
INCOME
Donations, grants, etc.
3,762
4,691
3,305
5,940
7,682
5,675
Tax refunds
22,565
22,839
26,470
24,012
22,691
22,715
Funds generated
30,118
29,016
25,855
26,928
30,435
32,760
2,180
2,292
2,200
2,140
2,313
2,200
10,968
10,385
7,013
10,077
7,785
7,970
Investment income
Fees
Insurance receipts, etc.
TOTAL
11,277
176,598
183,098
189,954
173,881
172,973
173,950
Parish share
83,042
82,431
82,484
79,754
79,840
84,349
Clerics and ministry expenses
11,575
16,055
14,669
15,698
6,756
15,010
Church property costs
26,362
29,634
37,878
27,657
27,887
32,770
Administrator
24,191
26,255
26,967
27,499
27,924
28,800
General parish expenses
8,659
8,881
8,887
6,699
8,462
10,380
Mission
5,220
6,219
4,246
3,658
5,517
3,400
Cost of generating funds
2,909
3,158
4,409
2,556
4,525
2,300
161,958
172,633
190,817
163,521
160,911
187,009
SURPLUS / (DEFICIT)
14,640
10,465
(863)
10,360
12,062
(13,059)
Investment gains/(losses)
(4,740)
2,572
3,850
3,959
(1,559)
9,900
13,037
2,987
14,319
10,503
EXPENDITURE
Extraordinary repairs Leoline Close
10,000
Insurance replacements
TOTAL
11,277
SURPLUS / (DEFICIT)
Added to reserves
18
(13,059)
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of the RECTORIAL BENEFICE OF COWBRIDGE
Regi stered Charity No. 1131497
OTHER REPORTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013
DIOCESAN CONFERENCE
Minutes of the Special Diocesan Conference held on
9 May 2015 at St John Baptist CW High Sc hool,
Aberdare.
Present: The Archbishop, 94 clerical members, 92 lay
members; In attendance: 2 members of Diocesan Office
staff, 8 lay observers; Apologies: 10 clerical members, 11
lay members
The Conference opened with worship led by the
Diocesan Readers.
The Archbishop welcomed those present; noting
that this was a special meeting convened for the purpose
of discussing the Doctrinal Commission’s Report “The
Church in Wales and Same-Sex Partnerships”. He
expressed his thanks to all those within the Diocese who
have participated in discussions on the Report over recent
months.
The Revd Dr Ainsley Griffiths, a member of the
Doctrinal Commission, gave a presentation on the Report.
Outlining the main sections of the report, he explained the
careful way in which the Commission had worked and the
breadth of material which had been considered. The
Report’s starting point was Scripture and the rich tradition
of Christian doctrine, with attention also paid to the reality
of the world in which the Church operates, and of human
relationships within that world.
He then introduced each of the three options in
some detail, e xp laining tha t the y we re n ot
recommendations as such, but rather possible ways
forward. The Governing Body could choose some entirely
different route.
The final section of the report developed a pastoral
response based on the principles which underpinned the
whole report.
A small group of 6th form students from St John
Baptist School presented the results of a survey which
they had undertaken in the Upper School (pupils aged 1518) to discover the most common stance on the possibility
of conducting same-sex marriages in church. The survey
had been launched with a special assembly during which a
short video had been shown, and the students showed the
same video to the Diocesan Conference.
The survey had revealed a number of views within
the student body, but the o verwhelming majority (78%) of
the 131 responses had been in favour of conducting samesex marriages in church. 12% of respondents were in
favour of blessing same-sex partnerships and 10%
supported the status quo.
The student group said that from their experiences
in school, they felt that this accurately reflected opinions
across the student body. Although recognizing traditional
Biblical teaching, the majority of young people saw it as a
justice and equality issue, noting Jesus’ words on loving
one’s neighbour and also the potential hypocrisy of
conducting marriages of non-church-going heterosexual
couples while refusing the same to committed Christians of
the same sex.
They ended their presentation with readings from
Galatians and 1 Corinthians, closing in prayer.
The Conference representatives then formed small
groups to discuss both presentations, before coming back
together for a question and answer session.
The Revd Mark Greenaway-Robbins [Eglwysilan
and Caerphilly] noted that there were many ways of
approaching the question of recognizing same-sex
partnerships, as a moral issue, a justice issue or as a
sacramental issue. Could the speaker offer any help in
creating a hierarchy or prioritise these considerations?
Dr Griffiths responded that Christians inhabited all
of those fields, and others, simultaneously. Scripture was
held in high regard, but there was always a danger of
“atomizing” texts. Sacramental theology might be of some
assistance in understanding the questions, but there was
tension between those who recognize seven sacraments
and those who contend that there are only two. Ultimately,
however, the hierarchy or priorities will depend on the
situation in which the decision is being made. Had it been
possible to determine a hierarchy of considerations, it is
unlikely that this debate would have been necessary.
The Revd Canon Jenny Wigley [Rad yr] asked for
clarification on the process and status of the vote which
would be taken at the meeting. The Archbishop explained
that discussions were taking place across the Province, in
parishes, deaneries and dioceses. Their purpose was to
inform the mind of the Go verning Body, which will be the
body which ultimately decides what position the Church in
Wales will take. The responses from parish and deanery
discussions, and the outcome of the forthcoming vote,
would be reported to the Bench of Bishops in June. The
Bench would then decide how and when to present the
issue to the Governing Body.
The Revd Chris Reaney [Troedrhiwgarth], in his
capacity as World Mission Officer for the Diocese,
reminded members that decisions taken by the Anglican
Church in western Provinces could impact on the Anglican
Church in eastern Provinces. This should be of concern to
the Diocese because of its link with the Church of
Bangladesh. In countries where homosexuality is seen as
a perversion, the perceived support of Christians for such
relationships could become further grounds for
persecution.
The Revd Martyn Da vies [East Vale Group] noted a
recent CMD day had looked at the issue of sham
marriages. Had the Doctrinal Commission considered a
fourth option – that the Church should stop conducting
marriages and simply bless them after a civil ceremony?
Dr Griffiths replied that it had not, although it was
something that the Governing Body could consider. The
Archbishop said that that would also involve a change in
the law and would not be easy to achieve. It would as well
partly resolve the fees issue!
Mr Darren Tyler [lay observer] reminded members
of the conference of the importance of family and church in
the up-bringing of children and that the Church in Wales
had a choice – to make this decision on behalf of its
children and young people or to leave the decision for
them to make at a later date. He wondered whether the
student group had been influenced unduly by the media.
Members of the Diocesan Conference then voted
by ballot paper on the three options put forward by the
Doctrinal Commission. The results were as follows:
Option 1: Maintain that the union of one man and
one woman is the only definition of marriage recognized by
the Church in Wales, and make no liturgical provision for
recognizing same-sex relationships; 55 in favour (29.41%).
Option 2: Make provision for the blessing of samesex relationships (ie civil partnerships or state-recognized
20
marriages), but not carry out same-sex weddings; 26 in
favour (13.9%).
Option 3: Conduct marriages for same-sex couples;
106 in favour (56.68%)
The Archbishop reported that the outcome of the
deanery discussions had produced the following result:
Option 1
25% in favour
Option 2
24% in favour
Option 3
51% in favour
The Archbishop thanked Dr Griffiths and the students for
their presentations, the staff of St John Baptist School for
their hospitality and the planning group for the preparation
of the whole Conference. He also thanked the Diocesan
Secretary for organising the conference.
There being no further business, the meeting closed
with prayer.
Unconfirmed Minutes of the Diocesan Conference held
on 26 September 2015 at St John Baptist CW High
School, Aberdare.
Present: The Archbishop, 105 clerical members, 78 lay
members. In attendance: 9 members of Diocesan Office
staff. Apologies: 13 clerical members, 15 lay members
The Conference opened with the Eucharist.
The Revd Dr Ian Morris and Ms Ann Shillaker gave
a presentation on the work of the Commission of
Covenanted Churches, as part of a roadshow visiting each
of the Dioceses. In 1975, the five Commission Churches
resolved to celebrate their growing ecumenical work in the
signing of a Covenant. Forty years later, the Churches are
called to celebrate what has been achieved and to look for
new and creative ways to work together, focussing on
Conversation, Communication, Co-ordination, Co-operation
Collaboration ahead of the second Gathering (7 May 2016).
The full presentation may be found at http://
www.cytun.org.uk/covenantedchurches.html
The Chaplain of Bishop of Llandaff CW High School,
the Revd Gareth Williams, and two pupils from the school
gave a presentation about the school’s mission statement:
"Our mission is to be a Christian school which welcomes
students of all faiths and those with no faith background.
We fully celebrate all forms of diversity as we firmly believe
this enriches our school and strengthens the bonds
between us. We believe that each member of our
community is on a path of self-discovery, growing to know
themselves “as they are fully known” in the image and
likeness of God. We provide a forgiving and loving
environment for all our students, where everyone is
respected and treated equally.” They e xplained the
underlying theology and outlined the process by which the
school’s Christian Ethics Committee arrived at the
statement. Fundamental to this was the development of a
vision for the school which is encapsulated in “Love,
Acceptance, Responsibility, Forgiveness”. The mission
statement is now being embedded in departments and will
be shared with applicants for places and for posts within
the school.
Formal Business
The Archbishop welcomed the new Diocesan
Officers: Mrs Helen Ma y, Parish Resources Ad viser; Mrs
Julie Davies, Lay Training Officer and Mr Mark Brampton,
Ministry Area Development Officer; new members of the
clergy: Revd Mark Greenaway-Robbins (Caerphilly &
Eglwysilan), Revd Kevin Lake (Barry, All Saints) and Revd
Rob Lindsay (Pontlottyn with Fochriw); newly-ordained
deacons: Revd Sandra Birdsall, Revd Terry Co x, Re vd
James Griffiths, Revd Rhian Linecar, Revd Kent Middleton
and Revd Jonathan Wright; and the new Church Army
Evangelist in Neath, Captain Andy Settle.
He also
mentioned four new clergy who have yet to be licensed
Revd Stephen Adams (Cowbridge), Revd Mark Jones
(Penarth with Llandough), Revd David Nyirongo
(Pontypridd) and Revd Ceirion Gilbert (to be received from
the Roman Catholic Church).
Presidential Address
In the main body of his Presidential Address, the
Archbishop focused on the work of Christian Aid. Noting
that he would be attending a service in Brecon Cathedral
later in the day to celebrate 70 years of Christian Aid’s
work, he reflected that its work on behalf of the poor is
more necessary than ever before. 1 billion people still live
in extreme poverty, millions have had to flee their homes
because of war or famine or natural disasters, and the
majority were to be found in developing countries which
were themselves poor. As well as providing direct aid to
those in need, Christian Aid in Europe continues to work
with partners to support political action to make sustainable
change for the benefit of the poor and the marginalized.
Although not on the same scale, within the UK
young people and working families were at greater risk of
living in poverty now than when Christian Aid was first
established in 1945. One quarter of the Welsh population
lived in poverty and mental health benefit sanctions were
being applied at a greater rate in Wales than in England.
92,500 benefit cuts were due to clerical error, and the work
of parishes in supporting their local communities through
food banks and other means was vital.
Mo ving on to the current refugee crisis, the
Archbishop referred to the Welsh Bishops’ statement,
copies of which had been distributed to all those present.
Parishes had been invited to contribute £70 to the work of
Christian Aid at this anniversary time, and the Archbishop
pledged to match all Llandaff donations from the Mission &
General Fund.
Turning to more internal matters, the Archbishop
reported that he was undertaking a series of deanery
visitations to see at first hand and to affirm the work of
clergy and parishes throughout the diocese. These visits
included discussion of what Ministry Areas were
appropriate in the deanery. Ministry Areas are a given, but
the form they take will depend on local matters and local
circumstances; there is no single blueprint.
The final section of the Address covered matters
arising from the recent Governing Body meeting. After
open discussion of the report on Same-Sex Partnerships,
members had been invited to give an indication of
preference in relation to the three options. The majority
had expressed a preference for Option 3 (same-sex
marriage), but this was nowhere near the two-thirds
majority that would be required for a change to the
Church’s official doctrine of marriage. The Bench of
Bishops would be considering how to progress this further.
The Governing Body had also agreed to consult diocese
about the possibility of re-opening discussions about the
creation of an archiepiscopal see, and this would be
brought to the Standing Committee at its next meeting.
The Archbishop closed with his appreciation of the
support and care which he and his family continue to
receive, and an appreciation of the dedication of the staff at
Velindre and elsewhere supporting those with cancer.
Ms Mari McNeill gave a short presentation about the
work of Christian Aid. Her role as regional staff member for
South Wales is to work alongside churches, schools and
other groups to equip them to respond to issues of poverty
throughout the world. Working alongside ACT Alliance to
support the thousands of refugees now coming into
Europe, they also remember those still in the Middle East
and others who have been refugees for many years.
Christian Aid was asking churches to do three things: Pray
for its partner organizations; Act: write to MPs and
Assembly Members; Give: the appeal is continuing.
The minutes of the Diocesan Conferences held on
27 September 2014 and 9 Ma y 2015 were agreed and
signed.
The Annual Report had been circulated. Mr Paul
Marshall, Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance, informed
members that the diocesan finances remained in a health
21
position, notwithstanding recent stock market fluctuations.
Having set a deficit budget for the current year (2015) in
order to ease the transition to the new Fairer Share
system, it was now expected that the out-turn would be
less severe. The DBF had therefore been able to set
another deficit budget, for 2016. This allowed it to
maintain the cash requirement for parish share at the
same level as in 2015. The Annual Report was received.
Deanery Motion: Penarth & Barry
The Revd Canon Peter Cox proposed the motion: That the
Diocesan Board of Finance investigates the possibility
of providing a centralised payroll or employment
service for parishes. The Revd Jon Ormrod (Sully &
Wenvoe & St L ythans), seconding the motion, explained
that there was confusion over what was expected in
parishes.
Employment rights were complex, and
treasurers were anxious that they may be acting illegally in
relation to paid staff. It was increasingly difficult to find
church members willing to take on the treasurer’s role in
such circumstances.
The Revd Canon Steven Kirk (Ystrad Mynach w
Llanbradach) gave his full support to the motion, but hoped
that the DBF might also make arrangements to give further
information to parishes about what is required of them. He
also expressed his admiration for the work that parish
treasurers already do.
Stephen Jones (Llansantffraid , Be ttws &
Aberkenfig) asked whether the DBF payroll could be
extended to cover parish employees.
Carol Cobert (Glan Ely) noted that those
undertaking paid work in parishes might have their own
concerns about the implications of becoming parish
employees.
Paul Marshall (ex officio, Chair DBF) identified
three issues which needed addressing.
Parishes were required to operate a payroll if they
had employees. This is a matter of fact, not of discretion.
The resources required to run a centralized payroll
for all parishes would be considerable, as it would
necessitate the employment of additional, qualified and
experienced staff. A number of cheaper alternatives were
available, including free or inexpensive software and the
services of payroll bureau firms.
The diocese did not have its own HR department,
relying instead on the staff at the Representative Body.
The DBF was very willing to investigate further and
to report back to the Conference.
The Revd Canon Stewart Lisk (Roath) supported
the motion, and noted the emerging question of autoenrolment pension schemes.
The Revd Canon Richard Lowndes (Director of
Ministry & Discipleship) reminded clerical members of the
forthcoming CMD day on ‘Managing Paid Staff’. Members
of the HR team at the Representative Body would be
present to advise on the distinction between employees
and workers, among other issues. Take-up from clergy
was currently low, so the da y would be opened up to
parish officers as well.
The Revd Huw Butler (Llantwit Major) reported that
his Rectorial Benefice had recently gone through these
issues and had received excellent support from the HR
team at the Representative Body. He felt, however, that
this was a provincial issue, not just a diocesan one.
The motion was carried unanimously.
Theological Education
The Rt Revd Da vid Wilbourne gave a presentation
on the NSM (Local) scheme. He drew a striking parallel
from hill farming, in the concept of “hefted” sheep. These
are flocks which have lived for generations on the same
hillside. A deep knowledge and understanding of their
location is passed on from generation to generation; they
seem to have an instinctive knowledge of the safe and
unsafe areas of their world.
In the same way, NSM (Local) is a “hefted” ministry.
It is a vocation that harnesses a deep local knowledge and
sensitivity to local hurting and flourishing points. Although
the selection criteria and training are identical to those for
more traditional NSM ministry, candidates have to be
offered by their local community and show evidence of
being able to apply their training to their local area.
NSM (Local) is being developed throughout the
Province. Information packs have been sent to all parish
clergy, and both the Director of Ministry and Discipleship,
Revd Canon Richard Lowndes, and the Diocesan Director
of Vocations, Revd Dr Trystan Hughes, would be able to
answer further questions about the scheme.
The Revd Canon Andrew Todd, Dean of
Chaplaincy Studies at St Michael’s College and a member
of the St Padarn’s Working Party, introduced the new
vision for theological education and training to serve and
transform the mission of the Church in Wales. The vision
had emerged from a series of reviews in recent years, and
would be delivered through a comprehensive suite of
programmes covering all stages of Christian faith from
discipleship to training for ordained ministry.
Based on the St Michael’s College site, the new
theological education institute, St Padarn’s, would work
closel y w ith D ioceses to d eli ver in no vati ve ,
transformational learning at both local and Provincial level.
New forms of study would include apprenticeships and
residential courses, but the primary focus for nonresidential training would be local cell groups studying and
learning together. These would be facilitated by a Training
Officer based in each Diocese.
The main programme for discipleship would be
‘Living & Learning’ and for accredited ministry (Readers,
NSMs, stipendiary clergy) would be ‘Theology for Life’,
which had been developed from the former ‘Exploring
Faith’ course. The Institute would also co-ordinate and
resource a provincial programme of CMD for clergy and
Readers.
Closing Remarks
The Archbishop noted that this would be the last
scheduled meeting of the triennium, and thanked all
members for their service. Elections for lay members
would be held at Annual Vestry Meetings and Deanery
Annual Meetings in 2016.
The Venerable Philip Morris, Archdeacon of
Margam, would be retiring on 1 November. He had served
his whole ministry in the Diocese of Llandaff as curate,
vicar, Canon Missioner and Archdeacon, and the
Archbishop paid tribute to his commitment and dedication.
Archdeacon Philip had taken on a number of Provincial
jobs in addition to his diocesan responsibilities, and would
be greatly missed. The Archbishop then presented the
Archdeacon with a small token of appreciation from the
Diocese.
Thanking the Archbishop for his kind words,
Archdeacon Philip noted that he had begun his ministry in
Aberdare and had been involved in setting up St John
Baptist School, in which the Diocesan Conference was
now meeting. He had had a wonderful 40-odd years of
ministry, especially seeing how the Diocese had grown
and developed and was sure it could only go from strength
to strength.
There being no further business, the Archbishop
closed the meeting in prayer.
22
VALE OF GLAMORGAN DEANERY REPORT
Vale of Glamorgan Deanery - Area Dean The Rev’d
Martyn Da vies
20 April 2015 at Pendoylan Church in Wales Primary
School — an open meeting regarding Same Sex
relationships.
Rev Martyn Davies introduced the meeting and Canon
Mark Preece outlined the order of the meeting. There were
42 attendees who, after a general question and answer
discussion, broke into 6 groups of 7 for a 30 minute
discussion on:
Option 1: Maintain that the union of one man and one
woman is the only definition of marriage recognised b y the
Church in Wales, b ut not carry out same sex weddings.
Option 2: Make provision for the b lessing of same sex
relationship (ie civil partnership or state recognised
marriages), but not carry out same sex weddings.
Option 3: Conduct marriages for same sex couples.
Following a general question and answer
discussion, a secret ballot was taken: Option 1- 10; Option
2 - 18 ;
Option 3 - 12 ; Abstentions - 2
The results were forwarded to the Archbishop, for
inclusion in the Diocesan Conference 9 May 2015
22 June 2015 at St Canna, Llangan — The Annual
General Meeting
Jonathan Cox, Deputy Director, give a presentation
about Citizens UK, which is an organisation for churches,
synagogues, mosques, temples, universities, Trade
Unions, building powerful communities that work together
for the common good. Jonathan said that Vale Citizens
works for Democracy in Action, the need to tackle poverty
and inequality; make services more accountable; to
nurture citizens civic leaders who will build the confidence
they need to achieve change. Jonathan stated that the
emphasis is on being pro active, engaging the community.
The Living Wage is such a campaign which has
challenged organisations to pay the basic wage. Cardiff
University has recently agreed to do so; Cardiff bus
company has agreed to make changes to bus routes and
timetables more pupil-friendly. Nikki’s Story - Nikki a
Roman Catholic from Barry told us about her involvement
and satisfaction in being able to take part to make a
change through discussion rather than confrontation.
For further information; [email protected] ;
0791 948 4066; @CitizensUK; www.citizensuk.org
020 7 043 9881
Members agreed to the financial proposals of:
purchasing 100 bibles in different languages for use in St
Illtud’s for the students of St Donates Atlantic College,
sponsoring a young man to attend Youth Work Conference
to develop his interest and networking towards becoming a
Youth Worker with the educational system,
that Vale Counselling Service would continue to be the
deanery initiative established by the Rev’d Canon Derek
Belcher,
hosting a ‘thank you’ to retired clergy for the work they do
in the deanery, which this year included Readers.
Vale Counselling Service increased to 10
counsellors, which has been a great benefit to be able to
cope with the surge in referrals. There is no limit to
number of counselling sessions; they can be as little as 2
or as many as 35, every client is different with unique
requirements.
To date there has been over 2700
sessions.
9 November 2015 at St Peter, Peterson-super-Ely
We were introduced to the 2 of the 3 new members of the
Diocese:
Julie Davies - Diocesan Lay Training Officer
Julie’s background is Health, Education and Health &
Safety. Julie went on to speak about the changes in the
province. St Michael’s College will still, for the foreseeable
future, have residential full-time training, with some non
residential. ‘2014 the Bench of Bishops endorsed a way
forward for ministry training involving the creation of a new
approach that brings together high quality theological
education both residential and locally’. St Padarn’s
Institute is a vision that will be set up for ministry areas and
development of lay ministry. There will be core modules
over a 3 year period and accredited by the University of
Wales, learning through seminars and tutorials. There will
be courses for example will be: Lay Pastoral Ministry,
Intercessions, reading in church.
Mark Brampton - Ministry Area Development Officer
Mark’s background is local government and the National
Health Service, which is very much managing change.
Mark’s 3 year appointment will be understanding the
difficulties before rushing ahead. Team work can be
challenging but concerns can be talked through,
understood and developed. Specialist Ministry Areas will
work across borders, sharing strengths and enhancing
skills already identified, and acknowledge differences.
Daniel Shaw is the young man who the Deanery
has agreed to sponsor on his path to discovering how to
advance his wish to become more involved in youth work.
At present Daniel is working at Maesteg Comprehensive
School as Creative Arts Assistant. Daniel thanked the
Deanery for the show of faith in providing financial support.
He will attend a 3 day weekend course in Reading Friday
13 November, and is excited as the speakers are those
whom he has followed for many years. To be able to
attend seminars, presentations will be inspirational, move
him out of his comfort zone, and move to another level in
his faith. Daniel wants to develop this amazing opportunity
to show those who have no faith, not only in schools, the
love and encouragement his has been shown. His home
church in Llantrisant is very much involved with young
people, families and sowing seeds.
The proposal of a 0.02% for the Budget 2016 as a
donation from parishes was agreed, thus maintaining the
reduction of reserves. Also proposed, and agreed, was a
donation to the refugee crisis of £250.
23
Barbara Harding
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN COWBRIDGE AND DISTRICT
+The Rectorial Benefice of Cowbridge +
+The United Free Church +
+ St Cadoc’s RC Church +
Last year we held 6 meetings, all at Noah’s Place,
UFC. The committee consists of 10 lay members with Rev
Heather Weddell, Rev Stephen Adams, Rev Edward
Dowland-Owen, and Father Mark Rowles.
Two new members have joined this year: Rev
Stephen Adams and Mrs Mary Parsons, a member of St
Cadoc’s church. Both were greatly welcomed.
Churches Together in 2015 was involved in the
same major events as in previous years,
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: From Monday
Saturday, 10.30am we followed a prayer service written by
CTBI, with a different leader each day. Attendance varies
from 3-4 to 8-10 and at the end of the week there is a
service for all which was in UFC this year.
Lent Study Groups: of which there are seven:
Posters and publicity material was posted in each church.
Palm Sunday procession: This year, Wendy from
Sheepley’s brought her donkey, Collin, to lead the parade.
It was very windy but the numbers attending were more or
less the same as in other years.
Silver Salver Award: All the publicity material
went out but the responses we received did not match our
criteria. We decided we had drawn our age boundaries
too tightly so agreed to postpone the award of the salver
and start again in 2016 with wider age bands.
The Leavers’ Service: This year, it was the turn
of St Cadoc’s to host this event. However we realised that
we could have 182 children arriving, plus staff, so with 2
weeks’ notice we switched the venue to Holy Cross. In
fact, about 177 children attended. The Ma yor and
Ma yoress hand out the excellent booklet, ‘It’s Your Move’,
and we provided orange juice and a biscuit at the end.
This year, 2016, it is the turn of Cowbridge United Free
Church. This continues to be a very successful event.
Annual Lecture: Dr Richard Hain gave this year’s
lecture entitled: Organ Donation: Can Consent Ever Be
Presumed. It was excellent. The attendance was about
40. Donations sent to The Children’s Hospital Noah’s Ark
Appeal came to £110.
Quiz Night: This was designed as a social event,
with guests bringing their own drink, and we supplied
pasties and apple crumble from the ticket money. £190
was banked and a cheque sent to OASIS in Cardiff, an
asylum and refugee charity. There were about 40 people
present. It was a good evening.
Placing a crib in Arthur John’s window: Alun John
continues to give us window space for the crib, at his
busiest time of year, which is very generous of him.
Reindeer Parade: The weather was windy, wet
and cold, so we couldn’t hold the banners, but walking at
the front worked very well. Mary and Joseph carried a doll
this year! (Last year they carried their 3 month-old baby!)
The children and parents were well costumed and the
Lions helped keep the children together while walking the
route. It was unfortunate that the parade began ¼ hour late
as the children were kept waiting in the wet and cold
outside. Collin, the donkey was unperturbed and was a
great draw afterwards in his pen behind the Town Hall.
Despite the weather, there were good crowds and
Heather’s short address from the stage went down well.
Christmas Tree Festival: Churches Together
supported this festival by decorating a tree on which were
hung photos of each of the churches in the Benefice, as
well as the UFC, Holy Cross and St Cadoc’s.
Christmas Card: This year we decided to go
ahead with a joint Christmas card with all our Christmas
services featured. Sue Freeland did an excellent design,
with the back page advertising the Walking Nativity. This
was ready to be handed out during the Reindeer/
Christmas Tree festival weekend and will have reached
large numbers of people.
Walking Nativity This was the third year of the
WN with more or less the same people organising it and
involved as narrators, actors and musicians. Sue Freeland
handed over her role as Producer to Churches Together,
so Leonie Hain and Rosemary Samuel worked together on
it. The Vale Church was also involved, by loaning out the
use of its offices for people to change in, and finding
people to take up one or two of the acting roles. The play
was well received and very well attended despite the wet
conditions. A review meeting has taken place and a
booklet detailing everything to be organised is being
prepared.
Carols in the Castle: Despite the extremely wet
conditions this was very well attended, and followed the
usual route singing at Southways, then on through the
Three Fields to Llanblethian and from there by road up to
the castle for carols and a Gospel reading.
The Childhood of Jesus: A contemplative service
at 4pm on 30th December in St Cadoc’s. The weather was
abominable but still a certain number attended. The St
Hilary choir sang, there was a children’s group, and the
service itself contained reflective passages specially
written for this service. This service is always very well
received, coming as it does between Christmas and New
Year.
Our Mission Statement reads: We will strive not to
do separately anything which we can do together.
We feel it is important to show that the churches in
Cowbridge and District are working together wherever
possible, so with the events we organise or participate in,
we are always seeking to bring people together to foster
greater understanding of each other’s experiences, share
resources and, very important, support each other and
enjoy each other’s company.
Rosemary Samuels
.
24
RECTOR’S REPORT
Introduction
The gifts he gave were that some would b e apostles, some
prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,
to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up
the b ody of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the
faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity,
to the measure of the full stature of Christ. (Eph. 4:11-13)
As I reflect on my first fi ve months here in
Cowbridge, I am struck by the enormous potential of this
parish and its churches to be a powerful force for good in
our communities – in effect, to be a sign or foretaste of
God’s kingdom. The writer to the church at Ephesus
encouraged those early Christians to see their various gifts
as something to be used for the service of the whole. Their
purpose was to enable all to come to maturity in Christ –
“to attain the measure of the full stature of Christ.” This
vision of a church journeying to maturity, bound together
by the love of Christ, valuing difference, appreciating
diversity, reaching out in acts of, humble, loving service to
a needy world has long been a central part of my
understanding of the work of ministry. The question, as
always, is how to put that into practice in particular times
and places?
Thanks
So, looking back over my brief time here, I want to
pay tribute to my clergy colleagues, David and Edward for
their support, counsel, prayers, and good humour. In
addition, I would like to draw attention to the ministry of
administration exercised by David Lloyd Jones and Ron
Norey both of whom give love and attention to much
detailed and necessary work. Administration is often
denigrated in our culture as somehow being wasteful or
superfluous. The reality is, this work enables the mission of
God in our parish and, while not mentioned explicitly in
Ephesians, administration is one of the gifts God gives to
his church. In this vein I would also draw attention to the
work of the parish wardens, sub-wardens in each of the
churches, and a whole host of others who, faithfully and
lovingly, enable the worship and work of the church, in all
its facets, to proceed.
Arrival
How are you settling in? This is a question frequently
asked of a new vicar or rector. The answer is that it is a
slow process. It takes time to get to know people and how
they tick. It takes times to get to grips with how things work
around here. I am grateful for your patience as I slowly find
my way around and amongst you. Amy and I are both
happy to be here and I am enjoying the work of ministry.
Good order
One of the important areas where this work of discovery
has been progressing is with the Parochial Church
Council. The PCC is the trustee body of this parish. The
Church in Wales Constitution states that:
“It shall be the duty of the Incumbent and the Council to
consult together and co-operate in all matters of concern
and importance to the Parish.”
In addition, it defines the prime function of the PCC
as the “promotion of the whole mission of the Church,
pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical, in the
Parish”
With this in mind, I have convened a small working
group to review and make recommendation to the PCC
concerning its processes and the way in which it delegates
work to various sub-committees and working groups. The
initial meeting of this group has been very li vely and
positive and I am hopeful that we will have much to report
at the annual meeting. The goal is that the PCC, as a
trustee body, will enable the work of each church to be
effective in its local community, delegating authority,
exercising oversight and creating strength from our
commitment to one another. With a parish of twelve
churches it is vitally important that we get the governance
structures working for us and aligned with best practice.
Challenge
We are all looking forward to the arrival of Suzanne,
our new curate, at the end of June. As I have written
elsewhere, she is a mature person who already possesses
many important life skills. As a new deacon, she will have
much to learn in her first months here; she will also be a
great asset and gift to us. However, there is a financial
challenge in all of this. You will be able to read in the
budget forecast for this year that the costs of maintaining
and providing housing at Leoline Close are significant. This
will be a challenge to our stewardship and level of giving.
Stewardship, of course, is never about simply meeting the
needs of the church. It is, rather, our generous response to
the generosity of God, who has given us everything. It is a
recognition that everything that we have is pure gift – from
the simple breath that we take, to the money in our pocket,
to the relationships we have, to the gift of salvation itself –
all is pure, free gift. So giving thanks is the first step in
ensuring that we are generous because God has first been
generous to us. I am sure we will rise to this challenge and
that as a thankful, generous people we will meet our
commitments.
Vision for the Future
“What is the new Rector’s vision?” is a question that
has been put to me over the last few months. It’s an
important question and the honest answer is that I don’t
have a blueprint for you and neither do I believe that vision
is given only to the Rector. What I do ha ve is a deep belief
that God gives vision to the whole church community and
that it is our job to discern prayerfully what God is calling
us to be and to do. Another way of putting it is to say that
God gives a calling and vocation not only to individuals but
to whole communities too. So, it’s our job as a parish, and
as local churches, to discern together our vocation and to
articulate the vision that God places in our hearts.
One of the methods I have found to be fruitful in
helping this to happen is through a process called
Appreciative Inquiry (AI). It works by assuming that in
every organization there will be some things that are
working well. By listening to stories about those life giving
things (rather than focussing on problems) AI moves to
help people discern the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and to
imagine God’s vision for the future. It then seeks to plan
practical action that will make that vision a reality. It is a
generative process that also links, strongly, to the Christian
practice of thanksgiving.
Over the coming months I intend to discuss this
method of vision building with the PCC with a view to us
using it in the parish. One of the joys of AI is that it
assumes widespread participation in the process and is,
therefore, a way in which we can all contribute to the future
direction of our parish and our churches.
Such widespread participation, I believe, is also at
the heart of Christian community.
With all good wishes; Pob Bendith
25
Stephe n
VICAR’S REPORT
This year has been a time of change and transition
in the Benefice. We welcomed Stephen, the new Team
Rector and it has been good over the last few months to
work alongside him: I am sure his calm manner and clear
vision will serve us well in the future. I would like to take
this opportunity to thank all those who have worked so
hard in the last year to sustain the life of the Benefice,
especially for the six months when I was the sole
stipendary cleric. Rev David Boult was most helpful, and
despite being Non Stipendary worked over and above his
agreed hours during the vacancy to ensure that things
continued as normal. David-Lloyd Jones has provided
sterling service over the last year, ensuring that all the
services were covered, so that nothing had to be cancelled
during the vacancy and enquiries were answered promptly
and efficiently.
The last year provided valuable opportunities to
continue to deepen our ministry to Schools. I continue to
work with both Llansannor and Llanharri Church in Wales
Primary School in providing collective worship, some RE
teaching and assisting the pupils in Church visits. I am
fortunate this year that the Re vd Sue Rees the Parish
Priest of Pontyclun and Llanharri has also begun to lead
collective worship, meaning that the school now has input
from all of the clergy of the catchment area. I also continue
in my role as a Foundation Governor of the School. . The
first Sunday of the month in Ystradowen Family Eucharist
continues to go from strength to strength, our rekindled
relationship with the school transferring into our life as a
Church.
I lead collective worship at Colwinston Church in
Wales School , preside at the School Eucharist and serve
as a Governor there. It was a delight this year to deepen
our links with Llanfair School in St Mary Church. John-Paul
Guy the new Headteacher and I worked together in my
previous parish of Penarth and Llandough when he was
Deputy Head of Llandough Primary School, so it is good
that our working relationship can once again be rekindled.
Holy Week was a particular joy in the last year,
with healthy numbers for the celebrations on Maundy
Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil. This time we
refreshed the liturgy to bring it back in line with Anglican
norms. Again I would like to thank all those who took part
in ensuring a prayerful and a reflective celebration.
Every year we see the regular pattern of ministry in
the many baptisms, weddings and funerals that take place;
it is always a privilege to accompany people through these
times of transition in their lives.
This year I am acting as Ma yor’s Chaplain, and it
was good to lead the Civic Service, to preach and to see
the community joining together as we sought to celebrate
the life of our town and to give thanks to those who serve
it.
It has been a positive and eventful year, and I look
forward to the future developments in the life of the
Benefice.
Edward
BUILDING AND WORKS
Another quiet year for the building and works
sector. The limewash to the tower at Holy Cross Church
has been completed and the opportunity was taken to
carry out other minor repairs at the church. The south wall
gutters were refurbished, the porch ridge tiles were
repaired and the south wall was repointed. These works
should ensure that the damp penetration at the east end of
the Llanquian aisle is cured and we can consider
redecorating the Llanquain aisle once it has dried out.
There has been little progress on the major reordering of Holy Cross Church. A holding report was
submitted to the DAC in April. The y indicated reservations
about the concept of a new build kitchen/toilet area at Holy
Cross and, in particular, asked that work on the proposal
was not progressed until the new rector was in post since
his ideas for the church might be very different to those
currently being progressed.
Stephen is looking at the governance of the
church and it may be that a new building and works sector
is convened. ( the current sector has reduced to just 2
people!!!!). At this time decisions will be taken on the future
re-ordering in consultation with the PCC.
Relatively minor repair work has continued at a
number of churches following quinquennial inspections.
More inspections are due this year which may well identify
additional work. At Llandough work is in hand to
commence repair work identified in the quinquennial
inspection.
David Crompton
26
CHURCH SECTOR REPORTS
HOLY CROSS PARISH CHURCH
Holy Cross continues to be a very busy church.
Its central location makes it a very popular venue, with
excellent acoustics, seating on a level and no steps to
negotiate either inside or out. Local schools make regular
use of it both as an extension of the curriculum and for
their annual concerts and Christmas Carol services. The
Cowbridge Male Voice Choir continue to meet for their
weekly rehearsals. The monthly afternoon tea is now well
established as is the parish breakfast. The Kinder Music
Group is still thriving, meeting every Friday afternoon after
school during term time, culminating with a concert at the
end of the summer term. From 24th February to 24th of
March a very successful Parenting Course was organised
and led by Leonie Hain in the Church.
You may recall that early in January 2015 Canon
Derek took us all by surprise when he announced he
would be leaving us in March. His farewell service which
was held on Sunday 8th March was well attended. We
hope both Derek and his family are happy in his new
parish. On Sunday 28th June there was another All Parish
Service to celebrate Edward’s 10 th Anniversary in the
ministry. Other special services include that organised by
Cowbridge Comprehensive School celebrating the life of
Alun Lewis the renowned Anglo Welsh War Poet and that
to commemorate VE Day (the end of the war in Europe).
As usual the incoming Mayor’s Civic Service was
held on 12th July and the Remembrance Service on
Sunday 8th November. The Cowbridge Music Festival held
17th-24th September was as popular as ever. It is now
firmly established as one of our major attractions as is the
annual Christmas Tree Festival. Unfortunately this year the
appalling weather conditions inevitably adversely affected
attendance but even so the show went on as usual
A considerable amount of maintenance work has
been carried out this year; lime washing of the tower,
external re-pointing of the Llanquian Aisle, removal and reinstallation of buttress copings, replacement of north porch
stone ridge tiles, replacement of damaged coping at North
end of nave, removal of yew trees either side of the North
Porch, removal, refurbishment and re-installation of rain
water goods to the Lanquian Aisle and repair of exterior
lights at the east end of the nave.
On Wednesday 30th September Rev Stephen
Adams was inducted as our new Rector; he addressed the
whole Parish for the first time on Sunday 1 st November at
an all Parish service. We welcome both Stephen and his
wife Amy and hope they will be happy in our midst.
Pamela Roberts
.
FLEMINGSTON
We have had a year of consolidation at
Flemingston. As reported last year numbers attending
services have increased and new residents in the village
are attending church on a regular basis. Numbers for the
Carol service and Christmas day were particularly good. It
has been good to welcome Stephen to our services.
Our organist Nesta Lewis has left the village but
still attends church and plays the organ. Our thanks to
Nesta for her continued support and to Edwin who helps
with her transport.
And thanks to William and Thelma who hosted
the mince pies and mulled wine before the carol service
and to Chris and Helen who hosted the Christmas day
drinks since David & Cathy were in Australia.
Fund raising went well again this year. We held a
village barbecue at Guy & Lucy’s house which was well
attended despite the poor weather and covered more than
50% of our fund raising target. The Parish Supper at
Fferm Wen was its usual success and completed our fund
raising efforts for the year. Both e vents are “village” rather
than “church” events but that is the way of things in the
rural villages.
We have decided that Anno Dominae has won at
last and we will employ a local landscape company to cut
the church yard grass in future. Our grave yard fund is
healthy and we can only spend the money on the
graveyard
Building work: There was no need to carry out
any building work this year so our building and
maintenance funds have increased over the year. We are
due a quinquennial inspection this year but do not expect
to have any significant repairs arising from that inspection.
Summary: Overall another steady year for
Flemingston; new people and increased attendance are
very welcome. Church events were better supported over
the year; hopefully that trend will continue.
David Crompton
27
LLANBLETHIAN
This past year has been a very busy one for Llanblethian
Church. As well as our usual Wednesday and Sunday
services and other church activities, we have held a
number of events – both in the Church and outside – to
further our aim of involvement in the local community.
In April we had a display of wedding dresses
through the ages, which we borrowed from local residents.
They represented the changing fashion of these dresses
through the past hundred years. The earliest was 1916
and the most recent 2014. We were very grateful to local
shops who lent us models to display them. Our many
visitors enjoyed their walk around the church, viewing the
dresses and the beautiful display of lilies which we arrange
each year at Easter, in memory of loved ones. They also
appreciated the tea and cake.
In June we were lucky enough – thanks to Richard
and Sue Norris – to be able to hold a sparkling wine and
canapé event at Glyndwr Vineyard. This proved to be very
popular, as shown by the large number of friends and
neighbours who enjoyed the lovely setting, excellent
weather and good food and wine.
In October Geoff Howells held the first of a series of
informal afternoon organ recitals with a cup of tea. It was
very well attended and everyone said how much they
would look forward to the next one. Geoff has such a love
for his music and, with all the interesting bits of information
he provides, as well as his gift as a player, he manages to
really enthuse his audience.
In October we held our Harvest Lunch in a full
Llanblethian Church Hall. We tried a new more informal
menu, for a change, and had lots of favourable comments.
Two of our members organised a bridge afternoon
in November when participants enjoyed the competition
and an excellent afternoon tea.
In March our Church was used for filming a series
entitled ‘Parch’ which was shown later in the year on S4C
in seven instalments on Sunday evenings. It did have
English subtitles so everyone was able to watch it. The
story concerned a woman Vicar and we were happy that
the church did have pride of place in the show. A further
series will be made in 2016.
In November we opened our medieval Crypt for the
congregation and visitors to be able to see it and learn
about its discovery; and the history of the chapel which we
now use as a vestry. Due to popular request, we plan to
open it again soon.
We welcomed our new rector, the Rev Stephen
Adams in October when he took his first service in the
Benefice at Llanblethian and we were all very pleased to
have the opportunity to meet and talk to him.
The Rev Glyn Austin, who had had a long
association with our church, held his last local service in
LLanblethian in October before he moved to take up an
appointment as Priest in Charge at Llangennith on the
Gower.
We keep in our thoughts a number of our members
who sadly died during the year.
As always our thanks to all those (too many to
name individually)) who work so hard for our church, in so
many ways; to our team of organists and to the bell
ringers.
Sue Flower
LLANFRYNACH
We have once again seemingly avoided a
quinquennial inspection but surprisingly it might be helpful
because although everything looks ok beyond the
inevitable mould and damp; it would be good to have
priorities set for the coming years.
Through July we held our normal and very popular
evensong services and while we have given up on trying to
keep a pedal organ working down there we had some fine
musical performances from Llanblethian, St Hilary, Early
Byrd and Bella Donna choirs, sometimes unaccompanied,
sometimes bringing their own musical devices, the
(umpteenth) bellow organ having given up totally in the
damp surroundings.
We repeated our usual Easter Son Rise service in
slightly warmer conditions than in 2014 which was
beautiful and on September 13th Rev.ds David and Edward
held a Pet Blessing Service which was very popular.
John Homfray
28
ST. HILARY
2015 proved to be a busy and eventful year for St.
Hilary Church. Fund-raising activities were once again well
supported and in addition to our usual Coffee Morning,
Summer Lunch and Harvest Supper we also held a Curry
and Quiz night which proved to be popular and successful.
Many thanks to everyone involved in the organisation of all
these events.
The Parish Maundy Thursday Service – Behold the
Kingdom Feast - was well received by all who attended
and the Church Choir again complemented the occasion.
The Choir participated in a Choral Evensong at
Llanfrynach in July and a Service of Commemoration and
Reflection for Remembrance Day was marked in
November.
Harvest was celebrated with the traditional Harvest
Thanksgiving and Harvest Supper taking place in the
Village Hall followed by our Harvest Service a week later.
St. Hilary Church Choir were pleased to take part in
our new Rector’s Induction Service at Holy Cross and our
congregation welcomed him at St Hilary Church two weeks
later. We all wish him and Amy a happy future in his
Ministry in our Benefice.
Once again The Manor House Christmas Eucharist
with Carols commenced our Christmas celebrations and
we were pleased to welcome the residents, their families
and escorts from the RAF. Our traditional service of
Lessons and Carols included the customary readings in
both English and Welsh and was this year augmented by a
reading in Polish. The Church Choir as usual contributed
to the service. As part of our outreach programme,
villagers who may not be regular churchgoers or who
worship in other churches, were invited to and did
participate with reading some of the lessons. It was a great
pleasure to welcome their involvement once again.
The Southern Pastorate Monthly Social Evenings
continue to be held at The Bush Inn on the second
Thursday of the month.
A trio of our regular Church members celebrated a
“significant” birthday this year – no names mentioned but
“Happy Birthday!” to you all!
29
On a sad note we must record the passing of our
oldest member of the congregation – Barbara Arthur - a
sprightly 101. A celebration of her life was organised by
Mrs Evans at the Manor House, led by David Boult and
was attended by her friends from church and fellow
residents at the end of July. We also mourned the passing
of both Lorraine Ravey and John Coggins, loyal friends of
our Church who contributed greatly to Church life and
organisation. All three will be greatly missed.
Thanks needs to be given to everyone for the
help and support given to St. Hilary Church. This includes
Serving Officers and the Congregation in the daily, weekly
and monthly running of our Church including the bell
ringers and visiting clergy as well as a special mention of
thanks to Dermot Lyons for his daily opening of the
Church. Also thanks to both Beryl Price and Joan Davies
for continuing to organise monthly Church whist drives on
the first Monday of every month in the Village Hall, and we
are very grateful for the regular financial help it provides.
Individual thanks yet again needs to be given to the
continuing catering contributions of Mary Llewellyn and Gill
Harris.
Our Food Bank Box remains in place in Church
and we are very grateful for all contributions received on a
weekly basis.
This year St. Hilary Church Choir as well as
contributing to services within our own Church and the
Benefice, including All Saints Day Parish Praise at Holy
Cross, also made a return visit to sing Choral Evensong at
the Centennial Celebration in St. Peter’s Church, Pentre.
Informal concerts were also undertaken at Southway
Home in Cowbridge and the Manor House, St Hilary,
where residents enjoyed a varied programme of light
music. The Choir also sang at The Livery Guild Carol
Service at Holy Cross by the kind invitation of Canon Roy
Doxsey. They rounded off the year on a very soggy, wet
evening two days before Christmas singing carols in The
Bush. The Sector’s thanks and appreciation must yet again
be given to Chris Mowat (ably supported by his wife, Jean)
for his leadership and untiring devotion to the Choir. Many
thanks also to our Church Organist and Choir
Accompanist, Sandra Williams, for all her help. We must
also record our thanks and appreciation to our loyal and
enthusiastic choristers who are not regular members of our
congregation.
Finally, special thanks must be given to
David Hawkins who this year stepped down as Church
Warden. His varied contributions to Church life have been
much appreciated.
As we look towards 2016 new challenges
will become apparent but working together will ensure
successful outcomes to everything we undertake.
Helena Davies and John Williams
ST. MARY CHURCH
The monthly coffee morning continues to provide
a regular village gathering opportunity for residents to get
together for a cuppa and a catch up especially through the
winter months. Grateful thanks must be expressed to the
members of the community who run each session.
We enjoyed smaller scale buzz and excitement
this year when once again Tidy Productions decamped in
the village to film a much shorter scene of “Stella” for Sky
Television. In previous years the cast have visited for
several days at a time, but this year’s filming was a much
shorter experience. However we did have additional glitz
and glamour with the Summer wedding of Kerry and And y.
Peter O’Neil performed for the congregation while the
register was signed and then the guests had a fabulous
evening in a marquee at nearby Dyffryn Springs. Kerry
exercised her Bride’s right to arrive late, but the Vicar
remained calm and all went very well. As always Jane
brought the church to life with some beautiful and creative
flower displays.
Sunday worship has continued to be enhanced
significantly by the hard work of our flower arrangers,
organist, church & brassware cleaners and lectionary
readers. We are as always indebted to all who assist.
Whilst the congregation and the community as a whole has
contributed and diligently raised funds throughout the year
for the fabric of the church, we as Church Wardens have,
where possible, carried out odd jobs around the building
and grounds to keep our costs down and maintain the
premises. Steph says “Without David we would not be able
to worship in warmth and comfort every Sunday, and
anyone who has seen me with tools or a paintbrush in my
hand will know it is David who fulfils all our hands on
maintenance”.
We’ve really enjoyed welcoming some new clergy
to St Mary’s over the last 12 months. The new Rector has
been a regular visitor and we have also loved having new
faces like Penny joining the benefice, and Ian (along with
his wife Margaret) has also given great support especially
on Christmas Day.
The village said a fond farewell and good luck to
Ralph & Madeline Locke who relocated to the Vale Riviera
at Rhoose. This unfortunately meant we lost our reserve
organist, but Brian has soldiered on alone and continued to
be an immense support for Sunday services. We have also
sadly lost two of the congregation this year when Jocelyn
and Lin Evans both passed away within a few months of
one another. The Evans’ lived next door to the Church for
over 15 years and in their previous village (Welsh St
Donats) Lyn had been Church Warden for several years.
He was also a member of Cowbridge Male Voice Choir so
it was always a pleasure to listen to him sing.
In April a new Resident’s Association Committee
took over when the previous group stood down following
over 6 action packed and hugely successful years. The
new Committee led by Michael Grey and supported by
Sarah Sullivan, Cath xxx, and Cathy Mangles have worked
tirelessly throughout the year for the benefit of the village
and the Church. They held a very well attended Spinney
tidy up, Qui z night, Cheese & Wine, Strawberry Tea,
Summer Barbecue, Village Walk and Pub lunch, Harvest
Supper, and Carols Evening. These events require a great
deal of hard work to put together and run and as well as
raising valuable funds for the village they also continue to
generate a fantastic community spirit throughout St Mary
Church which helps make it such a lovely place to live.
Our village entry in this year’s Tree Festival at
Holy Cross was a representation of St Mary with hundreds
of “Mary’s” adorning the branches. Tim did an excellent job
assisting Jane in making the Mary’s, and we had great
feedback from the event organisers. Our outdoor village
Christmas Tree also looked as spectacular as always this
year and it really does put a smile on your face as you end
a long journey home from work by driving into the village to
see it twinkling.
Whilst we have said goodbye to some good
friends this year, the new younger residents make it a
really vibrant village and this was very evident at the
Annual Church Carol Service. This year there were nine
children under 7 in attendance and it was very entertaining
to watch them all bonding and making new friendships
whilst eating their way through far more biscuits than they
would have been allowed at home. This next generation
along with their parents bring a new energy to the village
and help to continue to fuel the community spirit of our little
vale haven.
David Ilsley and Stephanie Bonnar
30
LLANDOUGH
Yet again our average church attendance
remains at between 10 and 11 for the Sunday morning
service. We are indebted to both clergy and retired clergy
for providing leadership throughout the year, due in turn to
dexterous manoeuvring of the timetable by our Parish
Administrator David-Lloyd Jones. Our “do it yourselves”
services fill in the gaps when necessary – they have the
one virtue of being short but we much prefer the clergy-led
services.
Unfortunately, the application for a grant from the
Heritage Lottery Fund for refurbishment of the Church Hall
was unsuccessful. As a consequence it was decided by
the PCC that it should be put up for sale and at the time of
writing this process appears to be nearing completion.
With the loss of the Church Hall, we are
particularly grateful to Simon and Rhian Rees at The
Castle for hosting the Cheese and Wine Party on 24 April
and the Harvest Supper on 16 October. Both are important
social occasions which, besides the necessary fund raising
aspect, provide a focus for village life. Simon is also our
new Church Warden replacing Guy Jones who ‘retired’ last
Spring but who remains a most valued member of our
Church Community.
A particularly happy event was the Baptism of
Emmett Clifford Taylor on 31 May when over 50 family
members and friends attended the service. Sadly the
Welsh Service did not take place this year but, hopefully,
will be resumed in 2016.
In the coming year careful thought must be given
to a possible re-ordering of the Church or other measures
to provide a suitable meeting place for both Church and
village activities.
We are also hopeful of carrying out longstanding
repairs and maintenance to the Church and Churchyard to
safeguard its availability for future generations.
Our good friend John Thomas remains in poor
health and has now moved to the Brocastle Nursing Home
where he is well cared for and comfortable. Visits from old
friends would be most welcome although at times John is
too unwell to respond in his normal manner.
As in the Benefice at large we are all pleased to
welcome our new Rector, Stephen, and his wife Amy and
wish them and their family many happy and fulfilling years
ahead in Cowbridge.
Richard Hensby
PENLLYN
2015 saw the next stage of the improvements to
the church with the installation of the new organ. Money
had been raised in memory of Anthony Powell , the
warden in Penllyn church who sadly died the previous
year, and whose wife, Betty Powell played the organ until
recently. The cabinet makers have managed to install this
new organ within the original casing which has been
amazing, as is the new sound!
The Community Room is being used by various
groups and committees now on a regular basis which is
what it was aimed at. All that is left now is for the
decorating and flooring to be done.
Sunday school meets once a month and can be
anything from 2 to 12, mostly quite young. It is lovely to
see young families coming to our services, and challenging
to look at subjects that spread the ages.
Rhiannon Cory has stepped into the role of
people's warden now, and is a welcome help to Pam. It
has been a good year with new young families joining and
we need to nurture both parents and children in a way they
are comfortable with.
Our annual Dog Show was a great success again
with a large turnout of dogs from in and around the two
villages, and a wonderful outreach event. We continue to
provide an alternative at Lent with our Lent reflections
evenings run by Penllyn faith group. We have been looking
at doing more regular and informal services which are
always well received. With the new set up in the Benefice,
with Steven at the helm, we are looking for some guidance
with these. We continue to collect for Llamau and
Pontyclun Foodbank throughout the year, and people from
the villages leave items for us to deliver.
It is important that we retain our place at the
centre of our community and keep everyone informed via
the village newsletter, produced quarterly, and also via the
village email group.
Pam Harris
31
LLANSANNOR
Our congregation remains steady, but with big
congregations at special times and times when members
of our community still find the need to use the church .It
has served Llansannor and surrounds for almost 800
years, back to the days when all the residents were
connected to the Lordship of Breigam, and latterly, the
Court.
The church was beautifully decorated for the
Easter Service with a good congregation to appreciate it.
Then there were a number of weddings (could it have
been 3 or 4?) and a funeral, before the Flower Guild again
transformed the church for Harvest Thanksgiving at
evensong in October. The generous donations of produce
and food were gratefully received at Sandville Court,
Kenfig, and again, Gwyneth Poacher found the time to
send us a thank-you note. Apparently, we are in good
company, as Margam Abbey also donate their Harvest
gifts to her (usually arriving a day earlier). The Harvest
Supper was as usual oversubscribed, the food was
excellent, and the community really gets together to
support the evening. Some of the proceeds each year go
to the church.
We were able to replace our hard to read Mission
Praise hymn books with the " Complete Anglican Hymns
Old and New" books, thanks to a generous bequest from
one of our long serving and devoted church members. We
now have no excuse not to sing, with the new books and
the splendid organ, ably played in rotation by Joan Norey
and John Williams.
As it was 15 years since we undertook the
Millennium Rogation walk, we decided to mark May 10th
with a shorter walk, but still using both some of the
directions written down in 1768 by the then Rector, George
Williams, and some of the same footpaths. Around thirty
people set off from Llansannor Church after the 9.15
service, and a blessing by Edward Dowland Owen. He
would have walked with us, but had to rush off to another
service, as is so often the case. We are thankful to him for
all his hard work during the inter-regnum, as we are to
David-Lloyd for keeping the administrative side of things
afloat and finding clergy to fill gaps. Thanks are deserved
for the retired clergy who visit us to take the services.
The Walk took us up past the bluebells and lambs
of Uplands, past the Mountain School, along bridal
paths ,where parishioners and clergy would have ridden to
church, finally cutting through Breigam woods..This is
where the original strategic castle was thought to have
been built-away from the Llan (enclosure or church) and
away from the eventual Court..The views from Breigam
woods are spectacular, with the Thaw valley to the south
and Ruthin quarries to the north. The walk concluded in
the Community Hall, where we enjoyed our picnics and
browsed the displays around the walls, some describing
previous Rogation Walks. Leaflets for the 2015 walk were
kindly provided by James Summers.
As usual, Llansannor was represented at the
Christmas Tree Festival in Cowbridge by the LAMBS tree,
which this year had a few dinky cars as decorations as well
as little lambs. This was to draw attention to the fact that
LAMBS still has regular meetings, some in the Hall, and
many taking place a distance away, so ,needing car
transport.
A tree was also decorated by the Llansannor with
Penllyn Mothers Union for the Benefice Christmas Tree
Festival at Holy Cross. The decorations followed the MU
theme of work for Literacy and Numeracy both in UK and
abroad. We continue our link with an MU branch in
Queensland – over 50 years attachment to each other.
Some members were pleased and privileged to be present
when Mrs. Nancy Jenkins of Penllyn received her 100
years birthday card from Her Majesty the Queen.
So we continue with our commitment to the world
wide Mothers Union through the Diocese, the Deanery and
the Benefice; especially as though few in number, we are
the only Branch in the Benefice and one of three in the
Deanery. Visitors and new members are always welcome
to our meetings on the second Monday of the month at
2.30p.m. in Llansannor (City) Community Hall.
The LAMBS quiz held early December was a
great success again, and provided an opportunity to
advertise our Carol Service. When the day for the Service
actually arrived, on a miserable Sunday evening before
Christmas, unfortunately a temperamental fuse blew the
lights by the L ych Gate and the Christmas Tree. But the
little church, sparkling with candle light, welcomed a record
number of local people. As more and more turned
up....young new residents, grandmothers with little ones,
etc., we had to move furniture around to accommodate
everyone. We all enjoyed the service, (again thoughtfully
produced by Ron Norey) which included our friends,
Llanblethian choir, and our specially talented local
choristers, Maebh and Aiofe Pryor, who sang beautifully
together. Thanks also to Edward D.O for managing the
packed church that evening.
We welcome Rev. Stephen Adams and Amy to
the Benefice and have already enjoyed his visits to us. We
look forward to better weather and less mud on the roads
so he may be tempted to cycle across the cattle bridge to
take a service!
We still have work to do with the fuses ,some
flaky ceiling plaster and the fabric of the lych-gate.
32
Llansannor Sub-Wardens
St. MARY HILL
The memorable events celebrated in 2015 included
the Dawn Easter Service took place at 6.30am on Sunday
5th April 2015 and was followed by cooked breakfast; 40
people attended. Harvest Festival (followed by Harvest
Supper) took place at 6.30pm on Sunday 20th September
2015 and was attended by over 80 people. The Christmas
Carol Service (followed by Mince Pies) took place at
11.15am on Sunday 20th December 2015 and was
attended by 46 people.
In 2016 the Queen’s 90th Birthday is being marked
by the lighting of Beacons throughout the Country on 21 st
April. The Church has lit beacons previously to mark
events such as the Millennium, Golden Jubilee and
Diamond Jubilee often with refreshments, but not this year
given the time of year upon which that it occurs. It has
been registered as a beacon and the Queen will receive a
book recording the locations of all the beacons throughout
the Country. The Beacons in this area are scheduled to be
lit at 7.30pm. For the avoidance of doubt the beacon will
be located on adjoining farmland at the high point which is
approximately 750m to the south east of the Church and
not within the Churchyard area.
Mary Lloyd
LLANGAN
Last year was one of both growth and change. After
two periods of an inter-regnum over the last ten years, we
were pleased for the agreed decision to be taken to join
the Rectorial Benefice from January 2016.
A pattern has been established for Eucharist and
Family (or community) Services each month as well as the
Festivals for Easter, Harvest and Christmas. Congregation
numbers have increased slightly.
The community has played an important part in
contributing towards St. Canna in many ways including a
coffee morning, a concert and the annual Autumn Fayre. In
addition an Open Day was held in May to display records
and artefacts and articles of local history. All events were
very well attended and supported. The church was recarpeted in the spring as part of an ongoing maintenance
programme following earlier work of rewiring and improved
lighting. Maintenance of the organ was planned for early
2016.
Charitable donations were made to the Bridgend
food bank and to the community team who cut the grass.
A ke y initiative last year was the highly successful
launch of the Friends of St. Canna - a scheme to seek to
ensure the future preservation and heritage of the building
and grounds.
The Vestry, or Old School Room, remained in good
use with regular meetings for the Book Club, Quilting
Group, Water Colouring and Wine tasting. Some of the
attendees come from outside the parish therefore widening
our reach; for example a music group practising. The
facilities are used by the Community Council for their
monthly meetings and the Council very generously funded
two benches now sited on the north side of the grounds - a
place for reflection and for ramblers to rest.
Close links were maintained with Llangan School;
staff and pupils attended and contributed to services
including a book of harvest poems written by the older
children and donating two Christmas trees decorated by
the children.
We look forward to greater participation within the
benefice and continuing the work and partnerships
established within the community. Our thanks are due to
the tireless work of the volunteers who give of their time in
so many ways.
Gareth Williams
33
YSTRADOWEN
This year has seen relatively steady numbers
in our church services. A marked increase has however
been experienced in the service which takes place once a
month and includes Sunday School
We now have
approximately twelve children on the register drawn from
Llansannor, Bontfaen and Pendoylan schools and we are
optimistic there will be an increase in 2016.
The crib service was yet again the best
attended service of 2015.
We continue to support the Foodbank during
Lent, Harvest and Christmas and this is well supported by
the congregation and village.
Our monthly suppers continue to be popular
and are well attended. Shena and myself revived the
Pensioners’ over-70s Christmas Party which was very
successful and was a good outreach to the village from the
church. Other village activities during 2015 organised by
the YCSA included skittles, a quiz night, firework display
and a children’s Christmas party.
We look forward to 2016 with our new Rector
and Curate and of course the continuing support from
Father Edward and we remain optimistic of growth within
the Church at St Owain’s
Thanks go to all who help the ministry of the
Church, particularly to Shena who oversees most of the
work and attends all PCC meetings on our behalf.
Sue Squire - Church Warden
34

Full Annual Report 2015 1.pub

Transcription

Similar documents

May 15, 2016 - Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

! Johnette!Benkovic`s!popular!Catholic!women`s!program,!FULL!OF

Parish Registration Form - Saint Luke the Evangelist

-1 -2 -3 - St. John Chrysostom Parish

Longtown - Cumbria County Council

January 8, 2006

brewbaker`s

Untitled - Cathedral of the Holy Cross

File

here - St. Joseph School